Baker Mayfield releases statement after Browns meet with Deshaun Watson

Baker Mayfield released a statement on Tuesday night right after the Cleveland Browns met with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Since the end of the 2021 season, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed confidence in Baker Mayfield’s abilities heading into next season as their starting quarterback. Yet, the team has been linked to Houston Texans signal caller Deshaun Watson, and actually met with him on Tuesday.

Later on in the evening, Mayfield released a lengthy statement speaking about the uncertainty of his status with the team, and thanking the city of Cleveland.

Baker Mayfield releases statement after Browns meet with Deshaun Watson

“The past 4 years have been nothing short of truly life changing since I heard my name called in the draft to go to Cleveland,” wrote Mayfield. “This is not a message with hidden meaning. This is strictly to thank the city of Cleveland for embracing my family and me. We have made many memories and shared growing in this process through all 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.

“I have given this franchise everything I have. That is something I’ve alway’s 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.

“Cleveland will always be a part of Emily and my story. And we will always be thankful for the impact it has had and will have in our lives.”

Watson’s trade market increased this past week after a Texas grand jury declined to pursue criminal charges stemming from sexual misconduct allegations. On Monday, Watson met with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. On Tuesday, it was the Browns who got to speak with the Texans quarterback.

As for those wondering how interested the Browns were in Watson, ESPN’s Dianna Russini reports that teams had to present trade offers to the Texans and could only meet with the quarterback if Houston approved. Based off this, the Browns made an offer the Texans liked, and got a meeting with Watson. A trade all depends on Watson waiving his no-trade clause.

Mayfield is coming off of a down 2021 season, where his performance was hindered by a left shoulder injury suffered in Week 2. Through 14 games, Mayfield completed 60.5-percent of his passes for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Whatever happens in terms of a Watson trade, the Browns have signaled that they are not 100-percent committed to Mayfield.