Reports: Baker Mayfield to be Traded As Browns Land DeShaun Watson

The Baker Mayfield era in Cleveland is in its final days and hours.

One day after the former Heisman Trophy winner formally requested a trade from the team, the Browns have landed former Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson to take over as starter.

Deshaun Watson has decided he wants to play for the Cleveland Browns in a stunning change of events, per sources. Watson has informed the Houston Texans that he now is willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract to be dealt to Cleveland.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022

Despite initially rejecting Mayfield’s request to be traded, Cleveland will now grant his wish following the acquisition of Watson.

Per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, Mayfield has made it clear to the Browns that his preferred destination to be dealt to is the Indianapolis Colts - who have already moved on from their starting quarterback of a year ago in Carson Wentz.

Baker Mayfield has informed the Browns that he'd prefer to be traded to the Colts, per sources. Earlier this week, prior to Mayfield's trade request, the Browns said they'd work with him on a trade. We'll see if they'll accommodate such a move to the AFC, though. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 18, 2022

The news that Cleveland landed Watson comes as a stunner to many given that it had been reported earlier in the week that Watson had eliminated the Browns from contention to gain his services.

Baker Mayfield

Mayfield came to Cleveland as the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Through coaching changes and injuries, he has provided welcomed stability to the quarterback spot for the Browns.

Now, he will play his fifth professional season elsewhere.

He has made it clear to the Browns that the Indianapolis Colts are his preferred destination.

But, likely with the enormous contract of guaranteed money the Browns were willing to give him as a large helping factor, has evidently changed his mind and will now waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the move.

As for Mayfield, the Colts look to be a clear suitor but there are other teams that will likely have interest in the former No. 1 overall pick.

SI Sooners will continue to provide updates on Mayfield’s future as they become available.

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