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3 Reasons the Cleveland Browns shouldn’t extend Baker Mayfield

By Greg Newland

Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baker Mayfield
Aug 3, 2018; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Alouettes quarterback Johnny Manziel prepares to throw against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during the first quarter at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason not to extend Baker Mayfield No. 1 – Don’t live in the past

I wasn’t around for any of the late 80’s or early 90’s teams, but I have watched 90 percent of all games since the team returned in 1999. I remember Kevin Johnson catching a hail marry as the team won their first game. I remember Ricky Rudd taking his helmet off and allowing the Chiefs to kick again and win the game. I also can’t forget the Kick-Six vs. the Ravens when we thought we would either win or go to overtime and ended up losing.

My point is, I get that the Cleveland Browns quarterback play has been so bad for 19 years (other than one season with Derek Anderson), that it’s easy to say Mayfield isn’t that bad, might as well keep him.

For so long this team never had an answer at quarterback. We have seen veterans like Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia, and Robert Griffin III all struggle. We have also seen high-profile rookies like Tim Couch, Brandy Quinn, Colt McCoy, Johnny Manziel, and DeShone Kizer look clueless on the field at times.

It’s hard to not live in the past, but if you base your judgment on good quarterback play from this history of the Cleveland Browns, it won’t take a lot to get excited.

Baker is competitive, charismatic, and a great leader. Trust me, for three years I was as big of a supporter as anyone. But if this team really wants to take the next step, I do think there are better options out there.

Next. 2022 Browns mock draft at the bye. dark

At a minimum, I certainly wouldn’t extend him without proving he can be a $35 million per year type of quarterback. Even if that cost me extra money, I’d rather be safe than sorry.

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