Former Cleveland Browns quarterback thinks Case Keenum could start

The Cleveland Browns don’t have a quarterback controversy on their hands, but that won’t stop people from begging for one as a former player just proved

Baker Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick in 2018 and ended up breaking the NFL record for most touchdown passes by a rookie — despite only starting 13 games for the Cleveland Browns. He then took a step backward last season, but then again, the entire team did under Freddie Kitchens.

Now with Kevin Stefanski as his head coach, things are expected to improve. He also has a solid backup to learn from as the Browns signed Case Keenum, who worked under Stefanski in Minnesota. The only problem is, not everyone is cool with Keenum being the No. 2.

Despite the team giving no indication that Keenum is there to compete for Mayfield’s job, the rumors just won’t stop. And now, a former Cleveland quarterback has gotten involved as Jake Delhomme went on The Zach Gelb Show on CBS Sports Radio and said that he wouldn’t be surprised of Keenum replaces Mayfield should the third-year starter struggle.

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"“Don’t be surprised if you see Case Keenum come November if Baker struggles,” Delhomme said. “I don’t think they’ll be afraid in the least bit to put in Case. Baker wasn’t drafted by this regime that has taken over. If he plays well, great, I’m happy for him. But if he struggles, don’t be (surprised if Keenum) takes over.” — Delhomme said via J.R. De Groote of Heavy.com"

Surely, this won’t go over well in Cleveland, since Baker is so incredibly popular. However, signing a player such as Keenum to a three-year $18 million deal invites that kind of speculation — especially when he has the experience under Stefanski.

And while they surely have no plans of letting Keenum battle with Mayfield, Delhomme does have a point. Should Mayfield struggle this coming season, it might be hard for Stefanski to keep a signal-caller he trusts on the bench.

Of course, that all centers around whether or not Mayfield does struggle. As long as that doesn’t happen, there’s nothing to worry about.

Unfortunately, there’s nothing that will stop this conversation other than Mayfield going out there and performing well under Stefanski, meaning we are going to hear this non-stop until the season gets underway.