Report: Browns Deny Baker Mayfield Trade Request

In pursuing Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns have managed to alienate their current quarterback Baker Mayfield, who requested a trade Thursday, according to multiple reports.

That trade request was promptly denied by the organization shortly thereafter.

“It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on,” Mayfield told ESPN on Thursday. “The relationship is too far gone to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on.”

According to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, the Seattle Seahawks are a team that has had discussions about acquiring Mayfield if the Browns change their mind about his trade request.

Drafted first-overall in 2018, Mayfield has been inconsistent over his four years in Cleveland. He set a then rookie record with 27 touchdown passes in his first campaign, but regressed the following season tossing nearly as many interceptions as touchdowns in 2019.

Mayfield bounced back in 2020, leading the Browns to their first playoff win in over 20 years. He passed for 26 touchdowns with just eight interceptions on the year.

Unfortunately for Cleveland, Mayfield regressed once again last season. While he did battle injuries, the Browns finished a disappointing 8-9.