Editor’s note: This story was published before Friday’s news that the Houston Texans were trading quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns for three first-round picks in 2022, 2023 and 2024 as well as a 2023 third-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick. The Texans are sending a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Browns in the trade as well. The story has been updated to reflect that development.
BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns had gone 635 days without a victory before quarterback Baker Mayfield’s arrival. Their futility had become such a punch line that Bud Light promised free beer in Cleveland if the Browns ever won again. In his debut, Mayfield delivered that win, unlocking beer fridges across Cleveland’s bars while giving the city hope for a football savior.
One who appears on his way out of town.
Mayfield on Thursday requested a trade, on the heels of Cleveland’s pursuit to land Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns were informed earlier in the day they were no longer in the running for Watson, but that changed Friday afternoon when news broke that Watson wants to play for the Browns and a trade was finalized. Cleveland had informed Mayfield’s camp it was “not accommodating his request,” but with Watson heading to Cleveland, it seems Mayfield’s request may be granted.
It appears Mayfield will become just the third quarterback in NFL history to go No. 1 overall in the draft and last four or fewer seasons with the team that drafted him, according to ESPN Stats & Information, joining JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) and Jeff George (Colts).
Over the years, Mayfield, according to multiple sources, had grown increasingly frustrated with a franchise that had made him the…
Source : espn
