Quarterback Baker Mayfield did not completely rule out the possibility of a reconciliation with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday in the event that the NFL suspended his replacement, Deshaun Watson, for the entire 2022 season.
Mayfield, however, added that the Browns should be the ones to start this process, and that he has gone ahead and is looking forward to joining his new team once he is finally changed.
“I think for that to happen there should be some contact,” Mayfield told reporters during his youth football camp in Norman, Oklahoma. “But we’re ready to move on, I think, on both sides.”
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Watson’s hearing before the disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, Sue L. Robinson, was scheduled to begin Tuesday. The NFL is expected to push for a suspension of at least a year, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Watson has been accused by many women of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. He recently settled 20 lawsuits against him, but still faces four active lawsuits. Graziano reported that the NFL will present the cases of five women, four of whom are among those sued, as evidence to support their position during Tuesday’s hearing.
The Browns signed Jacoby Brissett this offseason to start if Watson is suspended.
Cleveland, meanwhile, has been unsuccessful so far this offseason in moving Mayfield away from home. The former No. 1 general team is expected to earn nearly $ 19 million in guaranteed money for the 2022 season. The Browns have discussed a change with the Carolina Panthers, according to several sources, but have yet to make a deal.
Mayfield beat the Browns in their first playoff win in 18 years in 2020, but struggled last season as Cleveland finished 8-9 and missed the postseason. Mayfield has been away from the Browns since Cleveland switched to Watson in March. The Browns excused Mayfield from attending the mandatory mini-camp earlier this month.
Mayfield admitted he was “frustrated” because a change didn’t happen before the minicamp, but that he had no bad feelings for Browns fans.
“I’m grateful for my four years in Cleveland,” he said. “A lot of ups and downs and learning experiences that I will keep forever with me … The people of Cleveland, it’s a great sports city. I’m grateful for that and there’s no resentment towards the city of Cleveland of any way. “