Baker Mayfield is getting off social media for now.
After a tumultuous season, the Browns quarterback posted on Instagram that he’d be staying away “for the foreseeable future.”
“Gotta do what’s best to focus on me, my family and loved ones,” Mayfield wrote. “Appreciate all the support. Time to get right.”
The announcement was foreshadowed with a tweet over the weekend in which Mayfield wrote “social media is toxic. Always kept my circle tight. Time to get back to that.”
Mayfield had surgery last week to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder, an injury he dealt with for much of the season. Things went badly for the Browns after making a playoff appearance in 2020, with Mayfield often at the center of the issues.
Cleveland.com reported tension between Mayfield and head coach Kevin Stefanski, who Mayfield reportedly felt “didn’t always put him in a position to succeed or play to his strengths.”
Mayfield called the report clickbait, but the fact remains that he struggled through the season and faces a contract year in 2022.
In 14 games this season, he threw for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions — all three numbers worse than his 2020 totals. Following next season, the Browns will need to decide whether to commit to him for the long term.