Baker Mayfield Requests Trade; Browns Reportedly Won't Accommodate Request

Baker Mayfield requested a trade.

He said that the relationship was too far gone to mend. It is in the best interests of both sides to move on.

According to Mary Kay, the team isn't planning to acquiesce to the request.

As the Cleveland Browns explored a trade for Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson, quarterback Baker Mayfield issued a lengthy statement that called his future with the team into question.

According to Jake Trotter, Cleveland is no longer a contender for the starting quarterback, so the team might have left him for nothing.

Before they explored the trade that led to the No. 1 overall pick, they faced a dilemma.

He becomes a free agent after signing for $18.9 million. Signing him to a long-term extension is far too risky right now, as he is just one year removed from helping Cleveland win 11 games and reach the playoffs.

In the year 2021, he threw for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdown and 13 interceptions, and finished with a 35.1 QBR. I wonder how much of that was down to his shoulder. He had surgery for a torn labrum.

Andy Herman @AndyHermanNFL

Mayfield got stuck with Hue Jackson & Freddie Kitchens as coach for 2 years. Puts up a really nice season in 2020 w/ Stefanski, leading Browns to the playoffs, showing real legit signs to end the year, plays hurt all of 2021, and Browns screw him. This is on Cleveland, per usual.

In 2020 he played better than any other quarterback since the team returned to the league in 1999, but he wasn't exceptional.

There is room for Cleveland to upgrade at quarterback, with the failed Watson pursuit being an example. You don't have to go back to see how bad things could be.

The level of resolve will be the big question.

One day later, the team was reported to be looking to move on from Mayfield altogether. Cleveland might have a hard time getting people to believe it is committed to Mayfield when all of the signs suggest otherwise.

USA Today reported that the Seattle Seahawks could be in the mix if the general manager becomes more willing to make a deal. Drew Lock is not a better option under center.

Jeremy Fowler reported that the Indianapolis Colts, who are without a clear starter after trading Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders, have strong interest in Baker Mayfield.