Most of Kevin Stefanski’s troops will gather in Berea this week for the Cleveland Browns‘ latest OTAs.
This is a voluntary gathering for meetings and non-contact practices that some veterans prefer to skip.
We will see soon enough who makes the trip and who doesn’t.
But Adam Schefter spilled the beans about one Browns player who definitely won’t be part of the activities.
Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield will not be attending the Browns’ voluntary OTA’s that open Tuesday, as expected.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 23, 2022
Baker Mayfield is officially not attending Cleveland’s offseason gathering.
This should come as a surprise to nobody since he leaked the word out weeks ago he would not attend.
But there are those who think Mayfield will lighten up on his anti-Browns sentiments and try to make amends.
Of course, the Browns would have to be open to a rekindling of relations, too.
What It Means To The Browns
Mayfield’s latest revelation means little to the Browns organization which appears ready to move on.
After waiving UDFA Felix Harper, the team still has 3 quarterbacks not named Baker Mayfield on the roster.
And it appears they are willing to roll with Jacoby Brissett as the starter if Deshaun Watson is unavailable.
Recent indications are the NFL will decide on any discipline for the former Texans quarterback by mid-July.
The #Browns have offered to take on “a good chunk” of the guaranteed money remaining on QB Baker Mayfield’s contract in order to facilitate a trade. (Via MMQB/ Albert Breer)
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) May 23, 2022
This is a change from previous rumors a decision could be put off until 2023.
And it will help the Browns square away any other necessary contingencies for a Watson suspension.
Josh Dobbs is slated to be the third quarterback, and Brissett’s backup in the event of a Watson suspension.
There appears to be no chance Mayfield will play for the Browns again under any circumstances.
What If Mayfield Showed Up?
As long as he is under contract, Baker Mayfield has the option of showing up for scheduled team activities.
Attempts by the team to keep him away could be judged a lockout and lead to fines.
Mayfield’s fans have been hoping he would put the Browns in such a spot by showing up.
Things could get interesting if Mayfield is still on the roster in mid-June.
I'll say it again—if I'm Baker Mayfield, I'm showing up for everything. If you're not there, out of sight, out of mind, no urgency to move you. If you show up … things are kind of awkward, and it could motivate a trade.
Plus, showing up sends the right message to other teams. https://t.co/tIJcKMvLEB
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 16, 2022
Skipping the team’s mandatory minicamp could lead to players’ fines and cost Mayfield some salary.
But if the two parties agree he can miss the session, Cleveland can pay Mayfield to stay home.
Andrew Berry would like a resolution to Mayfield’s trade demand before he has to make that decision.
In the meantime, he is playing coy with no outward urgency to force a deal.
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Make him show up he’s under contract.if agree to allow him to mis mini camp he will perceive you as weak Make him show up he had more to lose than you by not showing up. Call
His bluff
I don’t think the Browns want him anywhere near Berea where he would only serve as a distraction for the team and press. If he shows, I bet they isolate him as much as possible.
That said, Mayfield would do well to say he plans to attend and work out. He has posted no updates on his rehab progress or given any indication he wants to play (for anybody) this year.
Does he think he is sticking it to the Browns by making himself less marketable? Or is he dealing with a physical problem? Maybe he looks forward to sitting out the season on the Browns’ dime?