Heading into the final year of his rookie deal, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has become the subject of trade rumors of late. Yesterday, rumors began popping up that the Cleveland Browns were looking into trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans. Watson has been the target of trade rumors all over the NFL after coming under fire for sexual assault and misconduct allegations in criminal and civil cases. A Harris County Grand jury opted not to pursue criminal proceedings, but Watson still faces a civil suit related to the claims.
Baker Mayfield, who is currently recovering from offseason shoulder surgery that limited him down the stretch, reflected on his time in Cleveland. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Mayfield could still be subject to trade discussions whether or not the Browns acquire Watson from the Texans,
Taking a break from his social media hiatus, Mayfield shared a message to Cleveland fans on Twitter and Instagram. Mayfield said, “This is not a message with hidden meaning. This is strictly to thank the city of Cleveland for embracing my family and me.”
With many uncertainties, here is where my head and heart is. pic.twitter.com/psipN96cmh
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) March 16, 2022
Mayfield went on to say, “We have made many memories and shared growing in this process through the ups and downs. I have no clue what happens next, which is the meaning behind the silence I have had during the duration of this process. I can only control what I can, which is trusting in God’s plan throughout this process.”
While Mayfield’s career with the Browns has been an up and down experience, he’s been a part of building a team that hadn’t had much success in the two decades before he arrived. Before beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2020 wild card round, the Cleveland Browns had not won a playoff game since 1994.
Mayfield was 21 of 34 for 263 yards and three touchdowns in that game. They lost the following week by five points to the Kansas City Chiefs, but Mayfield has been a massive part of changing the culture and the narrative surrounding Cleveland Browns football.
It can’t be easy hearing your name attached to trade rumors, and Baker Mayfield’s never been shy about sharing his feelings. Mayfield said, “I have given this franchise everything I have. That is something I’ve done at every stage and at every level. And that will not change wherever I take my next snap. Whatever happens, I just want to say thank you to the fans who truly embraced who I am and the mentality that aligned so well with this city’s hard-working people.”
As Mayfield awaits more clarity about his playing future, the Sooners great will be honored after OU’s spring game with a statue in Heisman Park in Norman, Oklahoma celebrating his 2017 Heisman trophy selection.
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