Mayfield: Time with Browns nearing end
NORMAN, Okla. — Baker Mayfield said the Cleveland Browns have work ahead if they want him to help them through their situation with Deshaun Watson.
Mayfield, speaking at his football camp near the University of Oklahoma’s campus Tuesday, didn’t entirely close the door on stepping in if needed.
“No, I think for that to happen, there would have to be some reaching out,” Mayfield said. “But we’re ready to move on, I think, on both sides.”
The Browns made a major trade for Watson in March and then signed him to a recordsetting $230 million contract.
Now, Watson faces a possible suspension from the league stemming from accusations of sexual misconduct by two dozen massage therapists in Texas.
Former U.S. District Judge Sue Robinson, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association, will hold a hearing to determine whether Watson violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy and whether to impose discipline.
Mayfield said he expected to be traded before the NFL draft, but he’s still on the team roughly a month before the opening of training camps.
“I think I got frustrated with it not happening before minicamp and all those things, but it’s just the stuff that’s out of my control,” he said. “And so, you know, let those things happen and fall in place.”
Mayfield said he’s been working out with veteran receivers Danny Amendola and Cole Beasley and some others from the area near Lake Travis in Texas.
Even while still on the roster, he spoke as though his days with the Browns were coming to an end.
“I’m thankful for my four years in Cleveland, and had a lot of ups and downs and a ton of learning experiences that I will forever keep with me,” he said.
WR McLaurin inks record bonus in deal
Two people with knowledge of the move say the Washington Commanders have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal had not been announced.
One person confirmed the new deal is worth up to $71 million with roughly $53 million guaranteed, including a $28 million signing bonus. According to Spotrac, a website that tracks contracts, it’s the highest signing bonus for a receiver, slightly more than the $27.5 million DeAndre Hopkins got from the Arizona Cardinals.
McLaurin, who turns 27 in September, had one year left on his rookie contract and skipped offseason workouts while negotiations were ongoing.
A third-round pick in 2019, McLaurin has become Washington’s best player since breaking into the NFL. The Ohio State product has 222 catches for 3,090 yards and 16 touchdowns in 46 regular-season games.