Cleveland Browns News: Matt Stafford named as option in 2021
By Randy Gurzi
Could the Cleveland Browns go after Matt Stafford in 2021?
Baker Mayfield is one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL. The third-year quarterback has the Cleveland Browns sitting at 8-3 with a real shot at making their first playoff trip since 2002. Even so, there are those who want to see him replaced.
There have been several discussions about who could replace the former No. 1 overall pick and the latest name is another former No. 1 pick — albeit a much earlier No. 1 pick.
Matt Stafford was selected first overall by the Detroit Lions in 2009 and with their recent move to fire their head coach and GM, this season could be his last with the Lions. And Nick Dudukovich discusses an idea from Mike Sando of the Athletic to bring the former Georgia Bulldog to Cleveland.
Browns trade chatter: Cleveland destination for Matt Stafford? — Nick Dudukovich, Factory of Sadness
"“The book on Mayfield will be judged by how he plays his AFC North rivals, and whether or not he not just get the Browns into the playoffs, but wins there, too. Winning in January is what gets a quarterback that lucrative second contract.”"
Dudukovich says that while Mayfield is a No. 1 pick, that selection was made by John Dorsey. That means, Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski aren’t all that invested in Mayfield. He also points out that Stafford is 32 and has a massive cap-hit. He’s also never really led his team to many winning seasons. With all that being said, there’s nothing that screams upgrade here and it would cost far too much to make such a move.
"“I really feel like we left a lot of points up on the board,” he said in his postgame interview. “There were a ton of missed opportunities just from my perspective, a lot of missed throws. I have to make those throws.”"
Mayfield hasn’t thrown a pick in four games which is the best stretch of his young career. He wants to continue to be smart with the ball but also knows he has to be aggressive to win some of the games the team has coming up.
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Elliot Kennel says the Titans are a good team but doesn’t understand why they’re as feared as they are. The Bengals scored a win over Tennessee and the Browns beat Cincinnati twice this season. Perhaps this won’t be as one-sided as some expect.
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