What Can The Browns Do For Baker?

By : Mike Rifkin

The Cleveland Browns were one of the massive disappointments in the NFL in 2021. In 2020 the Browns lost in the AFC Divisional Round and people thought better times were ahead. Instead in 2021 the Browns went 8-9 and finished in third place in the AFC North. One of the major conversations over the past year is what a contract for quarterback Baker Mayfield would look like. The Browns selected Mayfield first overall in the 2018 draft. In 2020 Mayfield had his best season as a pro, still the front office have yet to give Mayfield the long term contract he desires. In 2021 Mayfield’s play dipped especially after Mayfield tore the labrum in his shoulder. Mayfield was eventually shut down for the season.  

It was reported earlier this week that the Browns had conversations with the Houston Texans regarding trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson is still being sued civilly for 22 counts of sexual harassment and assault, Watson will be suspended we just don’t know for how long. The Browns were known as one of the four finalists to acquire Watson, there is one problem they never told Mayfield. Mayfield took to social media earlier this week thanking the fans of Cleveland for supporting him these past four seasons. Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported the Browns were looking for “ An adult” for the quarterback position. I would rather have Watson over Baker if I was starting a franchise, but to say you want an adult in the room and the rumored guy you are talking about has 22 lawsuits for sexual harassment and assault isn’t the best look for the organization. 

On Thursday Watson told the Browns he didn’t want to play for them ( he has a no trade clause) and later on Baker Mayfield requested a trade. The Browns response was that they have no plans on trading Baker. It’s the organization’s prerogative to upgrade the position if they want, but at least let Mayfield know what is going on. Now how can Baker come back into the locker room, and trust the organization? For a while I agreed with the Browns front office because Baker Mayfield isn’t worth 40 million dollars a season, and I don’t care that they looked into acquiring Watson. But why can’t you tell Mayfield that you are exploring this opportunity? My issue with Baker is that he needs to realize there is a business side to this and trades happen. The problem Cleveland now has is what is out there that is an actual true upgrade over Mayfield? This will be fascinating to watch how this whole thing plays out the rest of this offseason.