Report: How Deshaun Watson pursuit effects Baker Mayfield's future with Cleveland Browns

Baker Mayfield may be with a new NFL team next season even if the Cleveland Browns don’t win the bidding war for Houston Texans’ quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is meeting with the organization on Tuesday.

Mary Kay Cabot is arguably the most trusted source when it comes to insider news coming out of Cleveland. On Tuesday afternoon, the longtime NFL reporter published a piece stating there’s a decent chance of an upcoming divorce between Mayfield and Cleveland even if the franchise doesn’t land Watson.

“The Browns have arguably the best roster of all the Watson suitors, including their shiny new toy in former Cowboys’ four-time Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper, whom they traded for on Saturday,” Cabot wrote.

Then came the big news.

“They’ll also promise more weapons to come in the draft or elsewhere,” Cabot continued. “But if Watson chooses another team, it might be hard for the Browns and Mayfield to co-exist, and he could still be dealt. Mayfield, who was understandably rattled by the Odell Beckham Jr. ordeal last season, would undoubtedly find it awkward to return to Cleveland in 2022 and start for a team that took the Haslams private jet to Houston on Tuesday afternoon to woo his possible replacement and offer the farm to get him,”

Cabot also added Baker Mayfield’s public complaints about Kevin Stefanski’s playcalling on two occasions last season, and wasn’t always happy with the scheme or the way he was used.

“Even if the Watson trade fails, Mayfield and his camp might decide that a change of scenery would be best for him in the final year of his contract,” Cabot continued.

While there’s a ton of speculation as of now, this is quite the realization for Cleveland Browns fans and anyone who supports Baker Mayfield.

The former Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner captivated the college football world — and NFL talent evaluators alike — after posting amazing stats as the Sooners’ starting QB for three seasons. The Cleveland Browns were so enamored with Mayfield, they pulled off a stunning trade in the 2018 NFL Draft to select him as the No. 1 overall pick. He broke numerous records while leading Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff in both 2015 and 2017.

Other sources chime in on Baker Mayfield, relationship with Cleveland Browns

The Browns had stated publicly at the NFL Combine two weeks ago and reiterated to Mayfield’s agents that they fully expected him to be their starter in 2022 but immediately contradicted the statement by making it known they are open to all offers at every position.

On Tuesday, the ESPN NFL Live crew chimed in on the Baker Mayfield situation as Cleveland continues to attempt to sway Watson while hoping offensive additions like trading for Amari Cooper will help him come to the Browns.

“He is probably talking to his agent talking about where he could be traded to,” Marcus Spears said. “The team is letting you know you’re not their choice. The writing has been on the wall. When a team is behind its quarterback, they scream about and make it known. You clearly don’t see that here.”

Adam Schefter didn’t report anything officially on the situation, but had an interesting comment to follow up on Spears’ point.

“The New York Giants have said they are sticking by Daniel Jones next season,” Schefter added. “You don’t see them pursuing Deshaun Watson.”

Cabot noted several teams in need of a quarterback like the Colts, or one of the squads that loses out on the Watson sweepstakes could be a landing spot for the former Oklahoma star QB. She reported the Texans have no interest in inquiring Mayfield, or any players as part of the Watson deal. They are asking for draft picks, so Mayfield won’t be going home to Texas as Houston has made it clear they are rolling with Davis Mills as the starter for 2022.

A wide array of media sources beyond Cabot have cited unnamed sources in reports about Baker Mayfield hitting the trading block.

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky had a strong statement when the NFL Live crew debated the topic.

“Baker is gone,” the NFL analyst said. “I have felt like Baker has been gone since the day after the season when him and Kevin Stefanski had conflicting opinions. Cleveland doesn’t have a shot without a great quarterback in that division. Them taking the meeting tells the quarterback ‘we don’t like you’ and if they don’t get Deshaun Watson then you have a bad situation.”