Deshaun Watson Trade Rumors: Browns out of Running for Texans QB amid Saints Buzz

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly been informed they are out of the running for quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Garafolo added that the team "still views Baker Mayfield as their quarterback going forward."

Watson met with the Browns, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons this week, per Pro Football Talk. ESPN's Dianna Russini reported each team had to have a trade package approved by the Houston Texans before meeting with the quarterback.

The Saints had a second meeting with Watson on Wednesday night, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Panthers, Saints and Falcons are all still in the running as of Thursday.

With Cleveland out of the running for Watson, it creates major question marks about the team's future at quarterback.

Mayfield appeared to pen a goodbye letter to Cleveland after reports of the team's pursuit of Watson:

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the two sides are "breaking up regardless" of what happened with Watson and they want an "adult" at the position (via Will Brinson of CBS Sports). 

Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network also called it an "expected divorce," with the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts listed as possible landing spots. 

The Browns reportedly told Mayfield's agents they would only go after a top-tier quarterback this offseason, per Garafolo. They appear to have struck out with all of them, though, with Russell Wilson going to the Denver Broncos and Aaron Rodgers sticking with the Green Bay Packers.

Trade discussions around Watson ramped up after a grand jury declined to indict him following an investigation into nine criminal complaints made by women accusing the quarterback of sexual assault or misconduct during massage sessions.

Watson still faces 22 civil lawsuits from women accusing him of sexual assault or misconduct, but it seems suitors were simply waiting for confirmation he wouldn't face prison time over the allegations even with the public relations issues that could come with acquiring the quarterback, not to mention possible league discipline.

The Browns' interest was somewhat surprising given that Mayfield has had productive stretches with the team and he was the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, but he is coming off one of the worst statisitical seasons of his career.

Mayfield struggled with injuries throughout the year and missed three games, but he only threw 17 touchdowns in 14 games and had the second-worst completion percentage of his career. 

If they are unable to reconcile with Mayfield, they could be left without a reliable option under center in 2022.