Cleveland Browns: 5 Offensive players on the bubble as training camp begins
By Randy Gurzi
![CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Dontrell Hilliard #25 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Dontrell Hilliard #25 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1195789415-850x560-a3d460f2d0d8bba46dde94bea74fbccc38beb3e726a36959e6884626c2777670.jpg)
4. Garrett Gilbert, Quarterback
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has been heralded as the perfect coach for Baker Mayfield. Stefanski has a background as a quarterback coach and did wonders with Kirk Cousins in 2019 as the Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator. While Cousins did t have gaudy numbers, it was easily his most efficient season ever.
Another great notch on the belt for Stefanski was the way he helped Case Keenum lead Minnesota to the NFC Championship Game in 2017. Keenum filled in for an injured Sam Bradford and was fantastic.
Now, the Browns not only have a quarterback in Mayfield who could be set for his best season under Stefanski, but they also have Keenum as the backup. Not long after free agency opened up, Cleveland gave Keenum a three-year deal making him one of the higher-paid backups. He’s well-versed in the coach’s offenses and is also capable of starting the length of the season should something happen to Mayfield.
For that reason, Garrett Gilbert could find himself on the bubble this offseason. The former Orlando Apollos star was the primary backup in Cleveland last season but never completed a pass for them. Now, he’s looking at third-string at best which could be tough for him as the Browns might decide it’s better to go with the younger Kevin Davidson, who is also practice squad eligible.