Cleveland Browns may pursue a veteran presence behind Baker Mayfield
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns have a hole in the quarterbacks room behind Baker Mayfield, and the team may pursue Chase Daniel to fill that hole.
Baker Mayfield will be the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback in 2020, and first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski has made that known. However, even with their starting quarterback known in 2020, there is still a missing link in the Browns quarterback room.
The Browns currently only have two quarterbacks under contract for 2020: Mayfield and Garrett Gilbert. Drew Stanton is an unrestricted free agent and there is no expectation he will return after not playing a regular season snap for the Browns in two seasons with the team.
With Stanton’s expected departure, the Browns will be in the market for a veteran quarterback in the offseason who likely be the No. 2 behind Mayfield. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Wednesday that the Browns may have their eyes on Chase Daniel for the spot.
Expect the Browns to pursue QB Chase Daniel when free agency begins. They will need a strong veteran backup to help Baker Mayfield next year. Makes a lot of sense
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 26, 2020
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Daniel has spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears and has played in eight games, including three starts, with a record of 1-2. Stanton completed 70 percent of his attempts for 950 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. He had a passer rating of 91.1.
Since entering the NFL in 2009, Daniel has played for the Saints, Eagles, Chiefs, and Bears. He has been the backup for several quarterbacks, including Drew Brees and Alex Smith. In Chicago, he was tasked with being a mentor for Mitchell Trubisky.
In Cleveland, Daniel would once again be given the job of being a mentor for Mayfield. Daniel is well-versed in the West Coast offense, which is largely what the Browns will be operating under in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. Daniel’s experience in the system would prove to be beneficial for Mayfield in the meeting room.
Daniel also provides some upside as a backup quarterback, as he showed with Chicago he can be a solid game manager when thrust into the game. Although Garrett Gilbert showed some potential as a backup quarterback, having an emergency quarterback like Daniel would be beneficial for the Browns in 2020.
With Mayfield needing to have a turnaround season after struggling in 2019, having a veteran presence like Daniel to lean on will be helpful for Mayfield. Although he now has plenty of experience in the NFL, Daniel can provide Mayfield help as he continues to develop.
Next. Maybe Baker Mayfield isn't a raging jerk. dark
The Browns will likely be approaching several veteran quarterbacks this offseason to fill the backup role. Daniel is an interesting quarterback to keep an eye on, as he has plenty of experience during his time in the NFL.