Baker Mayfield makes decision to move youth camp to Oklahoma

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has decided to move his camp from Cleveland back to Norman, Oklahoma, where he became a legend with the Oklahoma Sooners during college. Mayfield has become quite disenchanted with the Browns’ franchise ever since they traded for Deshaun Watson, so while it might be a bit surprising, it’s not really that surprising at all.

After all, while Mayfield is still on the Browns roster, he has become quite distant from the team this offseason and he also recently declined Watson’s invite to the Bahamas.

On Monday, Browns writer Mary Kay Cabot shared that the former Sooners’ star is unlikely to take the trip – meant for workouts and bonding – as he continues his search for a new home in 2022.

Edge rusher Myles Garrett is hosting a similar get-together trip for the defensive side of the ball.

Mayfield, the first-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has one year remaining on his rookie deal. Now, he is due nearly $19 million fully guaranteed next season. The former Sooners’ high price tag has kept most teams from giving him a shot.

Instead of sticking it out with Mayfield for his fifth season, the Browns turned to former Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson. The embroiled QB’s contract for $230 million – fully guaranteed – sent a loud message to Mayfield. However, with the draft come and gone, he’s still waiting for a favorable trade.

Mayfield wants a fresh start with a new NFL team

When he first came to the NFL, Mayfield showed flashes of being a top quarterback in the league. As a rookie, he started 13 games for the Browns, leading them to a 6-7 record. In those games, he threw for 3,725 yards with 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. During the 2019 season, Mayfield threw for 3,827 yards with 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions, leading the Browns to a 6-10 record.

Mayfield led the Browns to the playoffs in 2020 with an 11-5 regular season. That year, he threw for 3,563 yards and 26 touchdowns, tossing just eight interceptions. This past season, Mayfield played in 14 games but was never really fully healthy. He played through a shoulder injury among other issues, ultimately throwing for 3,010 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Earlier in the offseason, Mayfield addressed his stance on what has transpired with him and the Browns. He ultimately said that he felt “disrespected,” but also that he has no regrets from his time in Cleveland thus far. Moving forward in the NFL, Mayfield just wants to be in a stable situation.

“I’m just looking for stabilization right now,” said Mayfield. “I know what I need to do for me to be the best version of me, and to lead an organization. I’m in a good place right now, where I have no clue where I’m going.”

On3’s Nikki Chavanelle also contributed to this article