Mayfield says he’ll kneel for anthem

CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield plans to kneel during the national anthem this season to support protests of social injustice, police brutality and racism.

In answering a post from a fan on his Instagram account Saturday that pleaded with him not to kneel, Mayfield responded: “Pull your head out. I absolutely am.”

Mayfield has been outspoken about the need for more understanding and justice in the nation following the killing of George Floyd, a black man, while in police custody in Minneapolis.

“It’s a pivotal time for change,” Mayfeld said Thursday. “What’s being addressed now obviously has been going on for a long time. So now everybody’s finally coming together to address it. And doing it the right way of holding people accountable.”

Report: Browns, Garrett discuss deal

AKRON, Ohio — Browns defensive end Myles Garrett could become one of the NFL’s highest-paid pass rushers as ESPN reported Friday that the team is engaged in contract discussions on a “potential mega-extension” for the first overall pick in the 2017 draft.

Garrett could be in line to receive over $20 million per year, ESPN reported on Saturday.

New Browns general manager Andrew Berry already exercised Garrett’s fifth-year option that will pay him $15.184 million this season. Garrett, 24, originally signed a four-year rookie deal worth $30.41 million.

The Browns want to lock up Garrett as a franchise cornerstone before salaries and the cap rise.