Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns excused QB Baker Mayfield from attending mandatory minicamp.

Fantasy Impact

The 27-year-old disgruntled QB has requested a trade, but the Browns have failed to do so. Mayfield is owed a guaranteed $19 million this season, and though Cleveland has expressed a willingness to take on some of this, there have been no suitors. An injury limited him to 14 games last year, in which he was 253-for-418 with 3,010 yards for 17 TDs with 13 interceptions. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere.

The Browns aren't expected to accommodate quarterback Baker Mayfield's trade request, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Fantasy Impact

That was quick. Just moments after Mayfield's trade request was made public, so too was the Browns' denial of his plea. Tom Pelissero noted that Mayfield feels "the bridge is burned and it’s time to move on now," but the Browns have no intentions of trading him. The former No. 1 pick has a trio of six-win seasons under his belt, plus an 11-win campaign that included a playoff bid in 2020. This past season, he made 14 starts, completing 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,010 yards, 13 interceptions, and a career-low 17 touchdowns. With Cleveland no longer in the running for Deshaun Watson, it looks like Mayfield will spend 2022 with the Browns, barring some type of trade, release, or holdout.

The Cleveland Browns D/ST played well in a 21-16 win over the Bengals in Week 18. Cleveland notched four sacks in the game.

Fantasy Impact

Cleveland was led by Jadeveon Clowney, who picked up two sacks and forced a fumble. Outside of Clowney, Cleveland is poised to bring back most of the key pieces on their defense in 2022.

The Cleveland Browns defense picked up two sacks and an interception in a 26-14 loss to the Steelers in Week 17.

Fantasy Impact

Cleveland's defense mostly played well, holding the Steelers to 299 yards of total offense. Both of their sacks were registered by Jadeveon Clowney while A.J. Green got the interception. Cleveland's defense will not be a recommended fantasy option against a red-hot Bengals offense in Week 18.

The Cleveland Browns D/ST played well in a 24-22 loss to the Packers in Week 16.

Fantasy Impact

Cleveland's defense didn't log a sack or force a turnover but they showed well in a tough road matchup against Green Bay. The Browns defense will be a solid fantasy option in Week 17 against the Steelers.