BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry conceded he understands why Baker Mayfield is upset with the team.
But Berry didn’t open up at all about how or when he hopes to finalize the divorce with the quarterback whom the Browns drafted first overall in 2018.
Berry declined to comment Friday on whether he has fielded trade offers for Mayfield or whether a deal is imminent with the April 28-30 NFL draft approaching.
However, Berry conceded he understands why Mayfield said recently on a podcast he felt disrespected by the Browns after they sent six draft picks to the Houston Texans on March 18 in a controversial trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, who faces 22 active lawsuits from women accusing him of sexual misconduct or sexual assault during massage appointments.
“I think I have touched on this previously that we were transparent with our intentions with [Mayfield’s] reps,” Berry said Friday in his annual pre-draft news conference. “That being said, I think we can all understand how Baker feels, and sometimes things in the NFL, whether it is team related, coach related or player related, they may not work out. Baker is a competitive and driven young man who has had success as a quarterback and will continue to have success as a quarterback, so definitely understand it.”
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Last month during the NFL owners meetings, Berry touched on his stance that the Browns were transparent with Mayfield’s camp about their approach to the quarterback position this offseason, but the GM also admitted he had a regret about how the business was handled.
Berry had told reporters Jan. 11 and March 1 he “fully” expected Mayfield to be the team’s starting quarterback next season. And Berry delivered the same message to…