How Baker Mayfield ranks in Cleveland Browns history
By Mitch Zoloty
Passing Touchdowns
This is one list that might take Baker a while to climb to the top. When it comes to passing touchdowns since 1999, Baker is only 2nd to none other than Tim Couch, which has been a recurring theme of this piece. However, when you expand the player pool to the good old days of Otto Graham, Baker starts to slip down the list.
Here’s a look at the Browns leaders in passing touchdowns, according to pro football reference:
"1) Otto Graham (1946-1955): 174 Passing Touchdowns 2) Brian Sipe (1974-1983): 154 3) Frank Ryan (1962-1968): 134 4) Bernie Kosar (1985-1993): 116 5) Bill Nelsen (1968-1972): 71 6) Milt Plum (1957-1961): 66 7) Tim Couch (1999-2003): 64 8) Baker Mayfield (2018-Present): 49 9) Vinny Testaverde (1993-1995): 47 10) Derek Anderson (2006-2009): 46"
When looking up this list, I stumbled on a very weird realization. Right now, Baker Mayfield currently has more touchdown passes as a member of the Cleveland Browns than Johnny Manziel (7), Brady Quinn (10), Brandon Weeden (23), Cody Kessler (6), and Robert Griffin III (2) do combined. That’s pretty crazy considering the capital the Browns spent acquiring those quarterbacks compared to what they did for Baker.
It’s pretty obvious that Baker should be able to get to the 5th spot on the list by the end of the season. If he is able to notch another 22 touchdown season, that puts him at 71, tied with Bill Nelsen. Considering Baker has gotten 27 and 22 touchdowns in his first two years respectively, he should be a lock to hold the 5th spot by himself.
Baker is currently 125 touchdowns behind Otto Graham for the top spot on this list. Considering how the NFL has shifted towards a more passing oriented game, along with the fact that the league will have 17 game seasons soon, it shouldn’t take Baker that long to catch up to Otto Graham. Give it another four to five seasons, and Baker should have the record.
By the time that Baker is 30 or 31, and if he stays on the Browns his whole career, he could see himself at the top of most of these lists. This next list is the only one that fans should hope Baker takes a slow climb to the top.