Baker Mayfield Says Comments On Giants' Daniel Jones Were Taken Out Of Context

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield denied taking shots at New York Giants backup QB Daniel Jones in a feature interview with GQ on Tuesday.

Mayfield made headlines for criticizing the athlete and his team in the article. The player was quoted as saying, "I cannot believe the Giants took Daniel Jones. Blows my mind." He added that NFL teams tend to "forget you've gotta win" in college, where Jones had a record of 17-19 as a starter at Duke.

Mayfield's name became a trending topic on Twitter and the quarterback's words garnered mixed responses online, prompting Mayfield to say that the quote from GQ was misconstrued.

"This is not what I said.. just so we're clear. I also said I was surprised I got drafted number one. Then was talking about the flaws in evaluating QB's. Where I brought up winning being important. Reporters and media will do anything to come up with a click bait story. Heard nothing but good things and wish nothing but the best for Daniel," the star commented under a photo posted on Barstool Sports' Instagram page.

Twitter was quick to react to the controversy. "So Baker Mayfield isn't allowed to say what Giants fan already said about Daniel Jones? Got it," a fan posted. Another wrote,"It's getting harder and harder to defend some of Baker Mayfield's off the field comments. Why take shots at Daniel Jones? Completely unnecessary"

ESPN reported Jones responded to the criticism stating, "I'm not sure I would do it that way, but everyone's got a different way of doing things. My focus is here, our focus is here. I think I speak for the team. We're very focused on what we're doing here and getting ready to play going into the season."

The quarterback also claimed he enjoys watching Mayfield play, describing the Browns' QB as a "great player." Jones also said he wished he had won more while playing for Duke.

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur dismissed the controversy, telling reporters it is "not important."

The Giants' decision to draft Jones in April was seen as a surprise move. In Jones' two appearances during preseason competition, he has completed 16 of 19 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns. The Giants won both games with longtime starting quarterback Eli Manning under center to begin the contests before Jones entered the game.

This is not the first time Mayfield has criticized the Giants. When the New York team traded wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns, Mayfield said Beckham Jr. was now going to play "in front of fans who actually care."