Has Baker Mayfield played his last game with the Cleveland Browns? A statement he released has many NFL fans thinking so.
Mayfield issued a statement on Tuesday night on Twitter. And while it wasn’t specifically a farewell letter, much of the language used in it would indicate that his time in Cleveland might be up.
It can’t be ignored that the Browns have a reported interest in Deshaun Watson. In fact, Mayfield’s statement came shortly after Jake Trotter of ESPN reported that the Browns had concluded their meeting with Watson.
The timing of the statement in relation to the meeting with Watson did not go unnoticed.
Of course, the Browns aren’t the only team said to be interested in Watson. So, a meeting, even if it went well, wouldn’t necessarily mean that he’s on his way to Cleveland.
But others read Mayfield’s statement as a farewell to the Browns and their fans, regardless of what happens with Watson.
There was no chance Baker was going to sit by quietly as #browns try to trade for Deshaun Watson. I like this message. If Watson goes elsewhere, hard to see mended fences here https://t.co/PiJ3meKDVK
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) March 16, 2022
Seems as if Baker is saying goodbye, thanks for everything 6 if this is the end! https://t.co/23SnIQlHEj
— Down With The Browns Podcast (@DWTB_) March 16, 2022
Thank you 6. Since this seems like a goodbye message. Good luck. #Browns https://t.co/vUxC0EApwV
— Faithful Dawgs Podcast (@FDPodcastCLE) March 16, 2022
yeah, this is a goodbye letter. https://t.co/0iYTgnulBk
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) March 16, 2022
From an AFC GM I spoke with earlier today: “Even if the #Browns don’t get [Deshaun] Watson, how can they possibly bring [Baker] Mayfield back? I just don’t get how he can operate in that building after this. How can he still be in that organization?” https://t.co/YrZ813P8y6
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 16, 2022
Others were left puzzled, wondering what the next step will be. Though, even among the people who didn’t read too much into Mayfield’s statement, the general consensus was that something big is about to happen.
I’ve never seen something like this. The timing? Still no signing news? Pretty crazy to be honest. https://t.co/xNhr3MVTsg
— Mike McFadden (@MUTGuru) March 16, 2022
Baker’s middle name being Reagan is the only thing I got outta this https://t.co/TrE4szfSKD
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick1) March 16, 2022
At this point, Baker Mayfield has not requested a trade from the Browns. But we'll see how things transpire in the future. The Browns' successful pursuit of Deshaun Watson would create a clean split with Mayfield. Otherwise, lots to still play out. https://t.co/ymjrhVW9O8
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 16, 2022
He hit us with the middle name so either his parents are mad at him or something big is about to go down https://t.co/g5zNGUo2fO
— Charlotte Wilder (@TheWilderThings) March 16, 2022
Mayfield’s tenure in Cleveland hasn’t been smooth. He’s suffered through injuries — notably in 2021. But he was also taking over a team that went 0-16 the season before he was drafted and 1-15 the year before that. Beyond those two seasons, the Browns had not reached the playoffs since 2002 and hadn’t won a playoff game since 1994. Both of those changed with Mayfield under center.
The Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 of the 2020 season to clinch a playoff spot. Then, in a Wild Card Weekend rematch between the two teams, Cleveland again beat Pittsburgh, with Mayfield throwing for three touchdown passes in a 48-37 victory.
With all of that in mind, several on Twitter thanked Mayfield for his contributions.
Thank you @bakermayfield for everything no matter what #ridewith6 https://t.co/K9RT5NV5Ci
— Matt Tifft (@matt_tifft) March 16, 2022
Win or lose, you always want the leader of your team to feel this way about the city he plays for. Whatever happens, respect to him for that. https://t.co/EQ3pKgMjYd
— Mack Perry (@DevaronPerry) March 16, 2022
Will always be a Baker Mayfield fan. Unfair to let this past year wash even an ounce off his rookie season, and especially the playoff season. He balled out both of those years and gave #Browns fans more to cheer about in two seasons than most of us have had in a lifetime. https://t.co/Uy9488TTQe
— Jeff D. Lowe (@JeffDLowe) March 16, 2022
No matter what happens, you made a once proud franchise, proud again. For that, we are all grateful. I hope you’re back in Cleveland. Thanks Baker! https://t.co/bLBbkY8Qss
— Jay Crawford (@JaycrawfordCLE) March 16, 2022
Mayfield also got support from another former Cleveland quarterback, Bernie Kosar.
Stay Strong Luv Ya Bro
#UMatter Go #Browns https://t.co/B95hmJ5LH1 — Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) March 16, 2022
We don’t know if this is the end of Mayfield’s time in Cleveland. If it is, he was only there for a short time, four seasons. But he clearly made a big impression in that time.
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