Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns have sidestepped awkwardness as the quarterback has been excused from the team’s mandatory minicamp next week.

Cleveland.com reported that the Browns believe this decision was what was “best for both parties.”

Mayfield, who has started 59 games for the Browns over the past four seasons, has previously spoken about feeling disrespected amid the franchise’s pursuit of Deshaun Watson.

“Yeah the respect thing is all going to be a personal thing, but yeah, I feel disrespected. 100 percent,” Mayfield said in April.

“Because I was told one thing, and they completely did another. That’s what I’m in the middle of now. And you know what? Okay. I got my taste of it, because I’ve had four different head coaches in four years. A bunch of different coordinators.”

There is uncertainty as to whether and how much Watson will be able to play for the Browns this season. While two Texas grand juries opted not to criminally charge him in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations from over 20 massage therapists, the NFL could still choose to punish him under the Personal Conduct Policy.

Nonetheless, Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot said last month that Mayfield would not be the team’s starter even if Watson were to miss time.

“I think the chances of that are very slim,” she said. “For starters, I think the Browns will find a trade partner for Mayfield before training camp even if they have to pay part of his $18.86 million salary. I think some team will be smart enough to trade for Mayfield, who can still help a team and represents an upgrade over a handful of current starters in the NFL.

“But if for some reason Mayfield is still hanging around at the start of the season, he won’t start for Watson if he’s suspended. That job will go to No. 2 quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who’s been here working in the offseason program and developing timing with his new teammates.”

The Browns and Panthers had trade talks involving Mayfield during the NFL Draft, but those fell through.