'We're ready to move on': Baker Mayfield indicates his Cleveland Browns career is near end

Some have speculated there was a pathway to Baker Mayfield returning as the Browns' starting quarterback. Mayfield, however, isn't one of those people.

"No, I think for that to happen, there'd have to be some reaching out," Mayfield told reporters at his youth camp in Norman, Okla., Wednesday. "We're ready to move on, I think, on both sides."

Mayfield has been the subject of trade talks since the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson on March 18 from the Houston Texans. However, no trade has materialized just yet.

League sources have indicated that Carolina remains the most likely destination, although nothing is imminent. One source familiar with the discussions shot down last weekend's rumors that a deal with Seattle was imminent.

Watson was going through his personal conduct policy hearing with NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson on the same day Mayfield spoke in Oklahoma. Watson is facing the potential of a indefinite suspension of more than a year due to 24 civil lawsuits filed against him alleging sexual misconduct while getting massages during his time in Houston.

With only Jacoby Brissett and Joshua Dobbs are the other quarterbacks on the Browns roster, there have been some who have speculated if an attempt would be made by either Mayfield or the Browns to mend fences which were damaged during the offseason. Mayfield's words on Tuesday indicate otherwise.

"I think it's been pretty obvious the mutual decision on both sides is to move on," Mayfield told Oklahoma reporters. "I'm thankful for my four years in Cleveland. A lot of ups and downs and a ton of learning experiences I'll forever keep with me. I have teammates and friends and relationships I'll have with me for a lifetime. … The support staff in Cleveland, the people of Cleveland. It's a great sports town. I'm thankful for it. There's no resentment toward the city of Cleveland, by any means."

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Mayfield played his most of his 2021 season with an injury to his left, non-throwing shoulder. He had surgery on it in January, and has been cleared to throw for more than a month.

Mayfield, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, is on his fifth-year option.

Reach Chris at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com.

On Twitter: @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Baker Mayfield states career as Cleveland Browns QB is near end