Browns’ Deshaun Watson pursuit blows up in their face

The Cleveland Browns pursuit of Deshaun Watson has gone horribly awry, as Baker Mayfield now wants a trade.

It wasn’t necessarily just that the Browns tried to trade for Deshaun Watson — surely Baker Mayfield knows that’s how the business works sometimes. But it was their blatant disregard for his feelings and disrespect through various media channels that took Mayfield the wrong way.

Now, a bridge cannot be rebuilt. The Browns are out on Watson, and soon they may lose their former No. 1 overall pick as well. Mayfield has requested a trade out of Cleveland.

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“It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on. The relationship is too far fine to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on,” Mayfield said in a statement.

Browns rumors: Baker Mayfield wants a trade

During the Browns pursuit of Watson, someone within the organization leaked to ESPN that they required an ‘adult’ at the quarterback position, thus insinuating Mayfield was more of a child lacking awareness at the position.

“They’re breaking up, regardless of whether or not Deshaun Watson ends up in Cleveland,” Chris Mortenson said. “I was told it’s just not a match emotionally. Whereas Baker Mayfield’s passion and emotional leadership was embraced at Oklahoma and even at the beginning with the Browns, things have changed. They want what they consider an adult at that position.”

Mayfield took the high road in his statement, but it’s not surprising he’s unhappy with the organization which drafted him — and the very same team he’s poured years of experience in. Baker took the Browns to their first playoff appearance, and postseason win, in years just a few short seasons ago.

In the years prior to Mayfield’s arrival, they average just over three wins a season for near a decade. During Baker’s tenure in Cleveland, the number has nearly doubled.

The Browns are reportedly refusing to accommodate Mayfield, but they can only hold out for so long.

By no means is Mayfield perfect, but the Browns ought to be careful not to fly too close to the sun. Add Baker to the long list of ‘former’ Cleveland quarterbacks.

Mayfield might be a name the organization wishes it could have back.