3 rumors Cleveland Browns fans shouldn’t buy into for 2020
By Greg Newland
Kevin Stefanski will pull Baker Mayfield for Case Keenum
From the moment the Browns signed backup quarterback Case Keenum, pot stirrers have speculated Keenum could replace Baker Mayfield if the train was going off the tracks. NO ONE in the Browns organization has murmured anything other than Keenum being brought to Cleveland to mentor Mayfield and be the backup. After seeing Garrett Gilbert in 2019, this should be welcomed.
There are two things that could lead one to believe Stefanski may turn to Keenum. One, Keenum had a career year with Stefanski and the Minnesota Vikings, where he led the team to an NFC Championship game in 2017. Two, Stefanski has seen coaches be one and done for years with the Browns. The pressure to win is greater than ever, and he could face pressure early to do anything possible to keep his job.
Both are reasonable arguments, but Mayfield is the guy. Even if he struggles next season, the Browns must see who they have. Another down season will just make declining his fifth-year option an easy decision.
Additionally, don’t forget Keenum has been below average every other year of his career. With a 27-35 record in nine seasons, 2017 with the Vikings was the only season in which he had a winning record. This is further proof Stefanski was a great hire and fans should be confident Mayfield will flourish in the system.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a flash story, but Mayfield will start 16 games in 2020 unless injured. Keenum has acknowledged his role as a mentor and will be a tremendous teacher to Mayfield. Unfortunately, Mayfield will be forced to learn his fifth offensive system in his third NFL season.