NFL - Random Opinions

Is there any real indication that the Browns would actually bring Baker into the locker room for 2022?

 

If I'm the NFLPA / Baker's lawyers, I'm licking my lips at the idea of Cleveland fining Baker. Yes, please fine the player that you preemptively excused from mandatory camps for not showing up at a later date. That'll be a fun fight.

 

Reminder: This part of the conversation started when you said "Baker Mayfield has Cleveland by the balls and the rest of the NFL QB needy teams do to."

Until some clarity surrounding the availability of Watson for 2022 is known. IMHO, that's the driving force behind the Browns' next move.

It matters not how stubborn Mayfield may be. He still remains under contract with Cleveland for 2022.

And the least savory of the options available to Cleveland. They could just wait until a QB gets injured somewhere in training camp.

 

There haven't been any (credible) indications they wouldn't. Berry, Stefanski, et al have been asked this very question by reporters multiple times and they all answer "No comment"

 

Yes... I understand that, but he wont see a snap, in my opinion. Its Jacoby's gig if Watson cant go.

PS - Im a firm believer that when you sign a contract, you are absolutely obligated to full-fill said contract, but these mamby-pambees in the sports world seem to circumvent such things.

 

Watson. He’s on the same team. Just one example

 

Lyman is just laying out the truths of the matter. At current time Baker Mayfield is under contract with the Cleveland Browns. Unless he gets traded, he will have to report to Berea if he wants that $18.9M. I firmly believe the Browns would much rather trade him, and that is still in the works. My guess is he will be dealt before pre-season games start.

One thing that was interesting is that Baker didn't completely shut the door on being Browns QB in 2022. Yes, he said it seems both sides have moved on, but when asked by a reporter at his youth football camp in Oklahoma if he would QB the Browns in the event of a year long suspension for Watson, Mayfield simply said that it would be up to the Browns to make the first move toward reconciliation....

Maybe the Browns are waiting to find out what Wason's punishment will be, before they do anything with Baker. It's doubtful to me given that he was excused from mandatory mini-camp, but it's possible. This story has it's share of twists and turns in relation to Browns football. The narative seems to change every other day. Nobody knows how it's going to play out. It's all speculation. Now we are hearing rumors that Judge Robionson is upset with the NFL for leaking what they are pushing for in regards to punishment for Watson.

Judge Robinson could impose not much punishment, if any, on Deshaun Watson - ProFootballTalk

 

It is kinda nice seeing Cleveland fuck themselves in the ass. Just when you think a team like the Jets or Bears are trying to take over as the league's hottest dumpster fire......the Browns leap forward and reclaim the title.

 

I think what people keep forgetting, when they say that "If Baker doesn't show he won't get paid / get fined" - the Browns are the ones telling him to stay home. They're the ones who excused him from camp, and I'm presuming that he hasn't been in on any other team meetings / team info dissemination. So, the team has excluded him all off-season. This is backed by all publicly available information, is not refuted by any statements by the team, etc. If they now decide that they need him to show up and play or else he won't be paid, there's going to be a suit slapped on them faster than they can breathe.

It's an easy argument. You told me not to show up, you haven't included me on necessary information / team activities, and now you're expecting me to step in and run the show. Not only did you set me up to fail in this blatant change of behavior / expectations, but you've negatively impacted my future earning potential by forcing me to play when I have not been properly equipped to do so.

There's going to be a line of attorneys looking to get a piece of that payday.

 

1. Mayfield told the Browns he would not participate in voluntary off-season activities.
2. The Browns did, indeed, excuse Mayfield from mandatory OTA's and Minicamp (at Baker's request). They have not yet excused him from Training Camp.

 

Can you provide citation for Mayfield requesting that he be excused from team activities? I haven't seen that, though I'm sure I don't follow as closely as you do. That's really the only important factor that you gave, and is crucial to any argument.

 

Once again, the Browns do not want this guy in their locker room. Money is not the driving force here. Having the entire team on the same page moving forward and putting the mess that was 2021 in the rear view mirror.

 

Baring injury to another teams QB no one is trading for Mayfield. They all know he will be cut.

 

Watt to expect this season if Watson plays.

 

You expect them to rescind the trade and he plays for the Texans?

 

I expect him to get used to Watt burying his rear in the turf.

 

Watt's going to fall on his ass on the turf?? What the hell are you saying Gid. that's the reigning DPOY?!! Have some respect!

 

I agree, but it is irresponsible of the Browns front office if they mean what they say in that they are just putting the best team together possible to win. They have a better option under contract than Jacoby Brissett, they need to use him instead of discarding him because he said a few things in anger. They say Baker is immature, THAT is immature on their part. This is a business, start treating it like it is just that.

 

Nearly every report out there uses the term "excused" from practice. There are many that say, sides agreed that Mayfield would not be fined for not reporting to mandatory camp. You don't have to follow very closely, you just have to do a simple Google and "read" any of the dozen articles written about it. Isn't that what you are always telling me to do, read more before you speak?

At the time of mandatory mini camp, nothing was resolved with Deshaun Watson. Everyone fully expects some kind of resolution prior to training camp. If Watson gets 4-6 games, they move on with life and get the team ready for him to take over. The team will once again excuse him from practice and Berry will work to get the best deal possible for Mayfield rather than cut him like many believe. If it is a 1 year or indefinite suspension, that changes the landscape drastically for 2022.

 

I certainly agree and it takes two to tango. Mayfield would be a better option over Brissett, but damn, the way both sides have treated this, Id be surprised to see Baker under center in Cleveland. It is supposed to be a business and stranger things have happened, I guess. Better find a fix (Mayfield and the Browns) as Camp is less than a month away.