Baker Mayfield feels 'disrespected' by Browns

Back in early March, a report surfaced that the Cleveland Browns informed individuals representing quarterback Baker Mayfield at the NFL Scouting Combine that he would remain the club's starter for the 2022 NFL season on the fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract and wouldn't be replaced "with a veteran" this offseason. 

Roughly two weeks later, Mayfield requested to be traded by the Browns before they completed a blockbuster and controversial transaction with the Houston Texans for star signal-caller Deshaun Watson. 

There were hints last month that Mayfield felt misled regarding the Browns' pursuit of Watson, and he offered his side of the story during the latest edition of the "YNK: you know what I mean?" podcast. 

"I feel disrespected," the 2018 first-overall draft pick admitted, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "One hundred percent. Because I was told one thing, and they completely did another. That’s what I’m in the middle of right now." 

Mayfield is currently due a fully guaranteed salary of $18.858 million for 2022 and has repeatedly been linked with the Seattle Seahawks, which traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in March. The 26-year-old said Seattle is "the most likely option" for him this spring, but the Seahawks may wait to see if the Browns will cut their former starter if they can't trade him before or during the draft that runs from April 28 through April 30. 

"I’m just looking for stabilization right now," Mayfield added about what's next for his career. "And like I know what I need to do for me to be the best organization of me and be able to lead an organization. And like I’m in a good place right now. I have no clue where I’m going."

Browns general manager Andrew Berry said at the league's annual meetings in March he doesn't "feel pressed to rush into anything that’s suboptimal" as it pertains to trading Mayfield. For now, the signal-caller remains attached to Cleveland with no clear end to the relationship in sight.