I think his thought is we'd have a controversy and locker room would be divided. as mentioned, I think that's kooky talk. They'd just be happy they won.
I kind of think it's the fans who will buy anything they want to hear as another reason why they have jobs. Or just love seeing trade rumors (and, admittedly, I like checking them out).
Well sure teams don't approve of sitting out, yet Texans let Watson sit and paid him 35 million to just sit. I pretty sure Mayfield gets traded before the season starts, but guess we'll have to wait and see.
If Watson really does get a multi-year suspension - or is put on the exempt list pending outcome of trials - do you still think the Browns don’t try to make up with Mayfield?
I truly feel that relationship is burnt toast and both sides want to part ways with each other.
I can agree they want to. But for both it's more because they see Watson starting. If he's out a season it could be best for both to kiss and make up.
Guess we’ll see if he’s on the roster when the season starts.
And if he gets hurt that contract would be even less than if he sat out this year. Also, this isn't your standard "Hold" out - The Browns traded for a new starting QB and completely dicked the entire situation. This isn't a disgruntled player looking for more money/years on a contract - this is an organization that has told him "We don't want you here" and then f*'d up their entire approach to Watson's situation - and now are stuck with zero leverage.
Or how about use your own argument - look at his past history - when things did not go the way Baker wanted, or he wasn't treated like he thought he should have been, or given what he thought he earned, he went to a different team...
This is one of the reasons why I've said Baker will likely be cut if they can't trade him. I'd play Brissett over Baker also. They signed Brissett for this exact reason.What do the 20 lawsuit settlements mean for Deshaun Watson? We break down everything you need to know, plus what comes next
On Tuesday, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson settled all but four of the lawsuits filed against him. We answer the most important remaining questions.www.espn.com
Who will play if Watson isn't available? Any chance it's Baker Mayfield?
This is the NFL, and this is the Browns, so never say never. But sources have said that Mayfield has no interest in playing another down for the Browns again, especially after a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen that the Browns were looking for "an adult" to replace Mayfield at quarterback during their pursuit of Watson in March. The Browns have given no indication they have any interest in Mayfield playing another down for them, either. Both sides have moved on, even if Mayfield still remains on the roster. And so, in the event Watson is suspended, Cleveland would plan to move forward with Jacoby Brissett, whom the team signed earlier this offseason and who has 37 career starts in the league, as its starting quarterback. -- Trotter
Only $160M?
The Browns chose not to re-sign him to a long-term deal after his 'strong' 2020 season despite having the leverage from the 5th year option. With 2 poor seasons behind him and coming off an injury Mayfield would have to play at a ProBowl level for the Browns to consider tagging and trading him. The Browns have made it crystal clear he isn't the guy they want going forward and Mayfield will be a FA in 2023. The Browns will try and get what they can out of Mayfield in 2022 but neither side is inclined to help the other.
And thanks to the contract Watson has - the Browns can't afford to pay Mayfield because they will be paying Watson since they 100% guaranteed the contract, and made it so that he was protected in case of suspension. Browns front office so smart, they outsmarted themselves, apparently.
Yes, but I think absent a trade it's in their mutual interest for him to play for them in 2022. If he plays well he'd make a lot more money in 2023 than he would right now.
The Browns can afford to pay Mayfield, and they'll have to if they can't trade him. It's just debt, (or negative asset), management at this point. Other teams were prepared to trade for Watson so it's not just the Browns. They just outbid everyone else.
Agree to disagree. The likelihood of Mayfield playing well enough to increase his value without a full preseason, new receivers, and coming off an injury is slight. Playing well would only slightly increase his value because it's not going to override the previous 3 years. Not playing well would have a negative effect that would be worse than sitting out. He would do better to rebuild his image through tv presenting or commentating. Taking playing risks for peanuts hasn't worked out for Blake Bortles and I don't think it'll work for Mayfield either. Just my 2 cents.
You have pretty much nailed it with that post.
