PALM BEACH, Fla. — Quarterback Baker Mayfield remained on the Cleveland Browns roster Monday morning, 10 days after the team was traded for Deshaun Watson. Still, the Browns have every plan to part ways with him, coach Kevin Stefanski said during a media presence at the league’s annual convention.
“I think everyone understands the situation and we hope it will be resolved soon,” Stefanski said.
Mayfield has been the starter since his rookie season in 2018, but the Browns revised the position this month, trading for Watson and signing free agent Jacoby Brissett as a backup. Mayfield will be guaranteed his full base salary of $18.858 million in 2022, a factor likely to complicate trade efforts.
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“This is a unique situation,” said Stefanski. “We’ll have to see how it develops. I think we would all love an answer yesterday, but that’s not the reality.”
The Browns’ off-season voluntary training program begins April 19 in Berea, Ohio. Stefanski said he expected Watson and Brissett to be present. He also conceded the possibility that Brissett will have to start for part of the season if Watson is suspended by the NFL following an investigation into allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct.
“We talked about that,” said Stefanski. “Until we know that definitive answer – we’re speaking hypothetically right now – but we have to be ready whenever a decision is made about possibly going with Jacoby or not. So we’ll wait and see what the league has.”