Browns excuse Mayfield from camp, Watson situation expands

BEREA, Ohio — Deshaun Watson’s complex legal situation

has the Cleveland Browns in limbo and unclear about the quarterback’s immediate future.

They have a better handle on Baker Mayfield’s.

The team said Wednesday that Mayfield, who lost his job when the Browns

traded for and signed Watson in March to a

$230 million contract, has been excused from next week’s mandatory minicamp.

“Obviously that was a decision made between our organization, Baker and Baker’s team,” coach Kevin Stefanski said following an organized team activities practice. “Felt like that was the best decision for both sides.”

Mayfield remains on the Browns’ roster while the team tries to trade the No. 1 overall pick from 2018. Mayfield, who started 59 games over the past four seasons and led Cleveland to a playoff win in 2021, has been estranged from the team since the Browns publicly pursued Watson. While Mayfield’s situation is headed toward a resolution, Watson’s continues to change.

Now facing 24 civil lawsuits — and potential NFL discipline — from massage therapists accusing him of sexual misconduct during sessions while he played for Houston, Watson practiced amid the release of new details contained in a report by The New York Times.

In an article published Tuesday, the Times reported Watson booked appointments for massages with 66 women over a 17-month period. The list of women includes the 24 who have filed lawsuits, with two of those being added in the past week.

Watson has denied all wrongdoing and two grand juries in Texas declined to indict him on criminal complaints. After signing autographs for school kids and fans on the field following practice Wednesday, Watson, who has not spoken to the media since March 25, declined to comment to the AP about the latest report.

Watson said he preferred that any statements come from his lawyer, Rusty Hardin, or agent, David Mulugheta.

Hardin’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Stefanski was asked direct questions about the latest Watson allegations. As he has

done for weeks, the third-year coach provided little insight and stuck to comments about “respecting the legal process” and “letting the investigation play out.”

Since acquiring Watson, the Browns have said they were comfortable with what they learned about the 26-year-old during their own investigation.