The NFL offseason isn’t even here, yet we’re already swirling in quarterback drama. According to the latest NFL rumors, quarterback Baker Mayfield took issue with a report that he wanted to be traded. In other news, former Washington running back Clinton Portis was arrested for fraud while Cordarrelle Patterson said he wants to stay in Atlanta.
NFL Rumors: Baker Mayfield, Clinton Portis, Cordarrelle Patterson
The Cleveland Browns were one of the biggest disappointments in the 2021 NFL season. Seen by some as a sneaky Super Bowl contender, the Browns stumbled to a 7-9 record as a clearly injured Baker Mayfield had arguably the worst season of his career. Following reports of tension between the quarterback and head coach Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot reported that Mayfield could request a trade in the offseason.
Mayfield took to Twitter to dismiss the report, calling it “clickbait”. The quarterback added that “[y]ou and many other Cleveland local media continue to be drama stirring reporters with no sources or facts. Don’t put words in my mouth so you can put food on the table. I’m not your puppet.”
Clickbait. You and many other Cleveland local media continue to be drama stirring reporters with no sources or facts. Don’t put words in my mouth so you can put food on your table. I’m not your puppet. https://t.co/MfHnqWk65s
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) January 6, 2022
This report, along with Mayfield’s response, obviously grabbed a lot of attention on Twitter and even elicited a response from former Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden. Quoting Mayfield’s tweet, Weeden said “some stuff different year with her. She can’t help herself.”
Only time will tell which side is correct here. Chances are, there is some tension between Mayfield and Stefanski, as nobody in the organization is happy with the 7-9 record. However, despite all this, Mayfield remains the clear favorite to start in Week 1 of the 2022 season.
Clinton Portis Sentenced To Six Months in Prison
Former Washington running back Clinton Portis is the latest in a series of former NFL players indicted for healthcare fraud. After pleading guilty to the charges, Portis will serve six months in prison for healthcare fraud.
This charge stems from the running back scheming to get reimbursed for expensive medical equipment that he didn’t actually buy. Reimbursement would have been via the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan, a program that helps retired NFL players pay for healthcare costs.
Portis might be the latest NFL veteran sentenced, but he’s far from the first. Former Saints receiver Joe Horn pled guilty and cooperated with authorities. Since then, nine other players have been sentenced for similar charges.
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Cordarrelle Patterson: Why Not Just Finish My Career Here?
Atlanta Falcons do-everything hybrid Cordarrelle Patterson has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2021 season. A career journeyman and kickoff specialist, the 30-year old finally found a coaching staff that can take advantage of his unique skill set. Through 15 games, Patterson has set career highs in both rushing and receiving yards while being a vital cog of Atlanta’s offense.
Patterson is a free agent, but now that he finally found an offense that fits his skills, he has no intention of going anywhere else. Via the team’s website, Patterson noted that “I’ve been around five teams, eight offensive coordinators; being here, I feel like I’m at home. Why not just finish my career here? I’m comfortable with all the guys in the locker room, the coaches, you know, and everybody so why not finish my career here?”
Patterson obviously wants to be back and, chances are, this feeling is mutual. With Calvin Ridley possibly on the trading block, Patterson would likely be one of Atlanta’s most important skill position players for a second consecutive season.
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