Baker Mayfield may be out of Cleveland
By Chris Moore (Twitter: @fantasy_moore)
Coming into the 2021 NFL season, Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns were considered Super Bowl contenders. But that quickly changed this season after a year filled with injuries, Covid, and poor quarterback play. Mayfield has been battling injuries this season. But he also hasn’t played like he did last year. At times in his career, Mayfield has shown he looks like the franchise quarterback for the Browns. But with his play this season in a contract year, it’s fair to say he doesn’t look the par. Mayfield is coming off an ugly performance in a crucial game against the Packers for the Browns to keep their playoff lives alive. Mayfield threw four interceptions and finished with a 35.2 QBR. Mayfield hasn’t looked like the Browns’ future QB and it’s fair to say he might not be.
Expensive Contract
Let’s say the Browns do intend to give Mayfield an extension. His contract would immediately move Mayfield into the top 15 for most expensive contracts for the quarterback position. The Browns giving Mayfield a contract extension at this point in his career would remind me of the Rams paying Jared Goff all the money they did. It would be even worse because it’s fair to say Goff accomplished more for the Rams than Mayfield has for the Browns at this point in his career. Due to his play and injuries paying Mayfield a new extension would be a huge mistake for the Browns right now.
Inconsistent Play
One of the main reasons why I don’t believe Mayfield is the Browns’ long-term answer at quarterback is due to his inconsistent play. Mayfield has games like against the Steelers in the playoffs last season, where he looks like a star. Mayfield was 21/34 passing for 263 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Mayfield finished with a 90.6 QBR and outplayed a future Hall of Famer in Ben Roethlisberger that night. Then there are games like last week’s performance against the Packers where Mayfield looks like a backup. Mayfield’s inconsistent play has severely hurt the Browns and could potentially cause them to miss the playoffs because of it.
Expensive Contract
Let’s say the Browns do intend to give Mayfield an extension. His contract would immediately move Mayfield into the top 15 for most expensive contracts for the quarterback position. The Browns giving Mayfield a contract extension at this point in his career would remind me of the Rams paying Jared Goff all the money they did. It would be even worse because it’s fair to say Goff accomplished more for the Rams than Mayfield has for the Browns at this point in his career. Due to his play and injuries paying Mayfield a new extension would be a huge mistake for the Browns right now.