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3 reasons Baker Mayfield situation could ruin the 2022 season

By Greg Newland

Oct 17, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) listens to a call by quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) listens to a call by quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, center, along with General Manager Andrew Berry, left, and head coach Kevin Stefanski, right, field questions from reporters during Watson’s introductory press conference at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility in Berea. /

Reason Mayfield could ruin season No. 2 – Bad image for Cleveland Browns

I personally like to focus on the football-only side of things, but even I can admit this whole Deshaun Watson situation is a tough look for the Cleveland Browns front office. To give up six picks for someone with so much drama and legal issues, was the juice really worth the squeeze?

On paper, this trade was a no-brainer. Mayfield struggled mightily last year even considering the injury and Watson has proven to be an All-Pro caliber player. But to say that the Browns don’t have a bit of a stain on their name would be lying.

I’m not saying it’s right for others to judge, because there were three other teams (likely more) willing to do exactly what the Browns did by trading for the troubled star. But, since the trade and the continued allegations, I wonder if Berry has a bit of buyer’s remorse. If Watson does end up suspended for the entire 2022 season, it could end up being an ugly situation in Cleveland.

We also can’t forget the bad press the Browns are getting for the Mayfield situation. I’m not saying what Berry is doing is wrong, but the media attention is negative, and we all know that’s not good for an organization. With the trade being finalized yesterday the news will be everywhere for a few days, but hopefully, it will die down soon.

Just be prepared for the first Mayfield interview as a Panther, we all know he is a passionate and fierce person. I can’t think he is going to not speak his mind on how betrayed he felt and how excited he is to face his old team in week one.

Let’s hope Kevin Stefanski can keep this team focused on winning the game, and not worrying about the sideshow that is sure to happen.

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