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Cleveland Browns: Looking at the quarterback situation

By Dan Justik

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Drew Stanton #5 of the Arizona Cardinals passes under pressure from middle linebacker Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 31, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Drew Stanton #5 of the Arizona Cardinals passes under pressure from middle linebacker Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 31, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

Drew Stanton

When Cleveland signed Stanton to a two year contract in March, it was quite surprising to some Browns fans. Not just because of the signing, but because of the length of the deal.

Stanton played in five games last season for Arizona, starting in four. He threw for 894 yards and six touchdowns with five interceptions on a 49.7 completion percentage.

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Although he has a low career completion percentage of 52.4, he is able to manage games when he is forced in to play and not making the situation worse than what it already is. That is one of the biggest strengths a backup quarterback needs to have.

But the biggest role that Stanton will have in 2018 is helping Mayfield behind the scenes. One of the hardest parts of the transition from college to the pros is understanding the playbook and breaking down NFL defenses.

Instead of Mayfield trying to do that on his own, he will have Stanton with him as a resource. Stanton has been in the league for a long time, so he will know all the tricks to help Mayfield along the way. Having Stanton to help Mayfield allows Taylor to focus on being the starting quarterback and not have to worry about being Mayfield’s mentor.

The Browns signing to a two year deal furthers the point that he will be Mayfield’s mentor. Taylor is due to be a free agent at the end of the season and will likely not be with the team for the 2019 season, handing over the starting reins to Mayfield.

But Stanton will still be on the team as the backup and will still be a resource for Mayfield as he transitions to being the starting quarterback. Being Mayfield’s guide to the NFL makes Stanton’s role a valuable one in 2018.

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