Cleveland Browns stock analysis: Buy, sell, or hold?

Baker Mayfield: Hold

Stock Analysis: Baker Mayfield’s finish to 2018 had most excited to see what he would do in Year Two with the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. to the lineup. After six games, five touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, some are ready to give up on the quarterback.

Stephen A. Smith, prominent sports figure for ESPN, said the Browns should regret taking Mayfield over Sam Darnold in the 2018 NFL draft. Rex Ryan, an NFL analyst for ESPN, called Mayfield “overrated as hell.” Rex and Baker exchanged words from a distance in episodes and press conferences that followed.

Mayfield says he plays best when he’s angry. After starting 0-3 at home, he has every reason to feel that way. While the likes of Ryan and Smith are quick to jump off the bandwagon, it’s just far too early to do that. Last season, Mayfield started with eight touchdowns and six interceptions through six games before finishing with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions after a coaching change.

It’s getting too late in the season to continually claim it’s still early. But there are 10 games left, and if anyone is capable of turning things around, it’s Mayfield. His start and finish to 2018 should give every indication that’s it’s too early to claim this season as a sophomore slump. Mayfield has the talent, weapons, and time to get back to playing his best football. Hold on to the Baker Mayfield stock.