Browns GM responds to Mayfield: 'We were transparent with our intentions'

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said the team was transparent with Baker Mayfield about his status, but he does empathize with the quarterback.

"We were transparent with our intentions with his reps," Berry said Friday, according to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. "That being said, I think we can all understand how Baker feels. Sometimes things in the NFL, whether it's team-related, coach-related, player-related, they may not work out.

"Baker is a competitive and driven young man. He's had success as a quarterback and will continue to have success as a quarterback. So, definitely understandable."

Mayfield stated earlier this month that he feels the Browns didn't handle the situation correctly while acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson.

"I feel disrespected - 100% - because I was told one thing and they completely did another," Mayfield said on the "YNK: you know what I mean?" podcast.

Trade rumors have circulated Mayfield since the Browns traded for Watson. However, Berry said he is solely looking ahead to the upcoming NFL draft.

"Speculating on the future is probably unfair because circumstances change, and my focus has been on the draft," Berry said of Mayfield, according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson.

The GM also declined to discuss whether he's fielded trade calls or if a deal is imminent, according to The Akron Beacon Journal's Nate Ulrich.

The Carolina Panthers reportedly had the "inside track" to land Mayfield.

Cleveland drafted the 27-year-old, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, first overall in 2018. Mayfield completed 60.5% of his passes for a career-low 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while battling injuries throughout 2021.

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