Baker Mayfield makes wise call to have surgery sooner rather than later

Kevin Stefanski announced that Baker Mayfield will not play in the final week for the Cleveland Browns and will have surgery sooner than later.

It was no surprise on Tuesday afternoon when the Cleveland Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, announced that Baker Mayfield would not play the final week of the 2021 season.

Mayfield tore his labrum in the Week 2 matchup vs. the Houston Texans and has been fighting through it every since. He has had some ups and downs since the injury, but mostly downs with disappointing losses that will force the Browns into another losing season.

Now, he’s set to have surgery soon in an effort to get healthy for 2022, which is a wise call on his part.

Before Monday night I figured you might as well just play the guy. Case Keenum clearly isn’t a long-term option, and I’d argue he will likely be cut this offseason because of his big salary. But after watching Mayfield get sacked nine times and look absolutely awful in the offense, it’s time to shut him down.

The thing that stings the most, is how well the defense played for most of the game. That unit played well enough for the Cleveland Browns to win, and I’m just sick and tired of losing to the Steelers.

What’s next for Baker Mayfield and the Browns?

Honestly, no one really knows but Andrew Berry what’s in store for Baker Mayfield.

With his fifth-year option already picked up by the team and it being fully guaranteed, I would say he will very likely be your 2022 starting quarterback.

However, I think next season he will be on a very short leash with Stefanski and this offense, and there could be some serious drama if he doesn’t play well. Given the cap situation and what Mayfield has done for the organization, I’m fine giving him one more shot.

But don’t be surprised to see the Browns take a quarterback in the later rounds of the 2022 draft to possibly groom.