Joe Thomas wades into back-and-forth over Baker Mayfield contract talks

Former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas finds himself in hot water after he claimed that Baker Mayfield turned down a contract extension worth $30 million per year in 2021. Those claims were later refuted by an unnamed source, who called them “100 percent false” in a report from the Cleveland Plains Dealer.

At the time he supposedly declined the contract extension, Mayfield was coming off of his best pro season in 2020 and looked settled in as the Browns quarterback of the future. He led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in 17 seasons that year, while also throwing a career-low eight interceptions. Not many would have argued he didn’t deserve a contract extension at that point.

Fast forward to now and things have taken a complete 180 in Cleveland. Mayfield struggled with injuries this past season and took a noticeable step back, throwing for the fewest yards and touchdowns of his career. The Browns finished the year just 8-9, and their relationship with Mayfield soured over the offseason. The tipping point came after a report from ESPN’s Chris Mortenson that claimed Cleveland was looking for someone it “considered an adult” at the quarterback position.

Mayfield responded by requesting a trade from the Browns shortly after. Just two days later, it was reported that Cleveland would trade several draft picks to Houston in exchange for three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson, officially signaling the end of Mayfield’s time with them.

On Friday, Browns owner Jimmy Haslem released a statement in support of Mayfield in which he disputed the report claiming the organization considered him immature.

“We think highly of Baker and did not get down on him,” Haslam said. “I know there’s a statement that we needed an adult in the room and Baker felt that came from ownership. That’s not true. Nobody can question the 4 years he gave. … We wish him nothing but the best of luck.”

Watson is also set to receive a five-year, $230 million contract extension as part of the deal, all of which is guaranteed. That shatters the NFL record for most guaranteed money by $80 million. Mayfield, on the other hand, is still waiting to find out where he will play next season. There were rumors that both the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts could be potential landing spots for the Oklahoma alum, but both those teams have since dropped out of the running.

Baker Mayfield is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2022, earning a salary of $18.8 million.