Who is the top QB option for the Cleveland Browns?
By: Jake Rajala
The former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst, Dan Orlovsky, claimed that the Cleveland Browns were the NFL’s most disappointing team after six games. The Browns were 3-3 after six games, yet it was clear they were underperforming. It’s safe to say the Browns didn’t impress Orlovsky or the rest of the dog pound in the last 11 games of the season. The Browns finished with a lousy 8-9 record, which was a step back from their 11-5 record in 2020.
The leader of the Browns, also known as Baker Mayfield, was largely responsible for his team falling off a cliff in 2021. The former first overall pick threw 13 interceptions, while only unveiling 17 passing touchdowns. It’s unclear if Baker will be the Week 1 starter for the Browns after his whacky 2021 campaign. The Browns could opt to go in a new direction at QB. The question is: what is the hierarchy of talent in the QBs available (including Baker)? Well, here are the top QB options for the Browns.
- Kyler Murray
I believe Kyler Murray is more likely to be traded than the more relaxed Aaron Rodgers and Future Russell Wilson. Murray has started the 2022 season on hot rocks and he seems furious about getting shipped out of Arizona. The Browns would have to cough up a lot of draft compensation for Murray, but I believe it would be worth it.
The talent and age (24 years old) of Murray make Murray the clear-cut favorite to be a Brown. Murray had a whopping 3,787 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and 423 rushing yards with the Cardinals last season.
2. Kirk Cousins
The Minnesota Vikings have a big decision to make with Kirk Cousins. The Vikings starting QB doesn’t want to take a pay cut, but the Vikings may not be completely ready to let him keep his current salary. The Vikings really need to rebuild the roster (defense/the secondary most importantly) and they could trade the expensive, 33-year-old QB in 2022.
There is no hiding the fact that the Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has familiarity with Cousins, as the Browns HC was his offensive coordinator for a season. Cousins likely wouldn’t put up unearthly numbers in Minny, but he could surely take care of the football and utilize his number one WR better than Baker. I would say the ceiling of Cousins doesn’t match a QB like Murray or Wilson, but I would expect him to bring the Browns to the playoffs in 2023.
3. Baker Mayfield
If the Browns can’t reel in a shiny, veteran QB, I would want to see them give Baker another chance in 2022. I would expect coach Stefanski to ride with Baker for another season than pull the plug on the whole operation and give the red carpet for Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis. Everybody might be ready to bring Mayfield to the top of a Mayan pyramid, but he has the experience, production (in some cases), and talent to potentially improve from the 2021 season and lead the Browns to a playoff berth. He may not ever hold the same ceiling as Murray, but I still expect him to come back with a chip on his shoulder in 2022 with the Browns or another team if a trade involving the Browns gunslinger is unfolded.
