Myles Garrett left Baker Mayfield on read.
Garrett was the Browns' No. 1 overall pick in 2017, a year before Mayfield arrived in Cleveland, so the two have faced off against each other in practice on numerous occasions. This weekend, though, they'll face off against each other for real, and it might be a tad bit contentious.
In a recent interview with Mary-Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Garrett explained that he left Mayfield on read after the QB sent along a farewell text message to the pass rusher, and further explained the working relationship between the two had peaks and valleys throughout their partnership.
He said he appreciated the time we got to spend together and getting to know each other and growing together. I really I didn’t say anything. I didn’t really have much to say and I didn’t know how reply to it, so I didn’t.
I read (the text) but you know, there were some disagreements we had at a base level and I’m not mad at the guy or feeling any way towards it, but I just didn’t know how to reply to that, so I didn’t. But I still think he’s a hell of a competitor and he’s a great guy to have on your side and I’m rooting for him. I think he has a great family, but he’s the opposition now, and at the end of the day, I’ve got to take him out.
Obviously, the "take him out" bit is very much related to Garrett wanting to sack Mayfield not once, but multiple times this weekend.
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While bygones might be bygones, Garrett also hinted that the pairing's relationship was a bit "complicated," stemming back to the defensive end drubbing Steelers' passer Mason Rudolph in the head with a helmet back in 2019.
Mayfield was a vocal critic of the way that Garrett handled the situation, and from that point on, it was seemingly a little difficult for the two sides to reconcile.
Guys are going to say and do things that they wouldn’t normally do and they’re going to listen and be receptive to things they haven’t normally done or have to do. So it was a slightly complicated relationship, but that’s how it is each year. There are new guys coming in, old guys coming in and same thing. Some guys who just came are going out, but you have to keep that same standard and you have to bring that same intensity year to year.
Garrett would also be none too pleased with the departure of close friend Odell Beckham Jr., who was released after a rift widened between the pass catcher and the passer in the middle of the 2021 season.
Garrett and Mayfield would attempt to mend fences prior to the start of the 2021 season, though it would turn out to be the last for the former No. 1 overall pick passer in the 'Land.
Mayfield is looking to rebuild his value after a down year with the Browns in 2021, this time in Carolina. He's on the last year of his rookie deal, and could set himself up for a big payday if he performs.
In turn, the Browns' new passer, Deshaun Watson, already got his payday — and also, an 11-game suspension from the NFL for conduct detrimental to the league.
If Mayfield doesn't perform on Sunday, though, there's a chance that Garrett had something to do with it.
