Daily Dawg Tags: Longtime Cleveland Browns broadcaster calls it a career
By Randy Gurzi
The Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know, including legendary broadcaster Doug Dieken calling it a career
On Tuesday, the Cleveland Browns announced that Baker Mayfield was going to sit out Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Instead of playing in the team’s finale, he will be having surgery to repair a partially torn labrum that he suffered way back in Week 2.
It’s the right call since there’s nothing left for the team to play for now that a postseason berth, as well as any shot of a winning record, are out the window. It will give Mayfield a chance to get a jumpstart on his rehab as he prepares for a fresh start in 2022.
But will that fresh start be with the Browns?
At least one writer thinks it may not be. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports identified seven landing spots for Baker if Cleveland was willing to trade him. While there’s been no indication this will happen, the Browns could easily get out of the contract that Mayfield currently has.
All the news about Mayfield overshadowed another announcement which was made by Doug Dieken. The former Cleveland offensive lineman-turned-broadcaster let it be known that Sunday will be his final game.
Citing recent health concerns, Dieken said it was time — and he will be incredibly missed by Browns fans who have enjoyed his calls for years.
Those stories and more can be found in today’s Daily Dawg Tags.
Cleveland Browns news
"“I’m going to walk away from the press box while I can still walk away from the press box,” said Dieken. “Health-wise, it’s been tough for me lately.”"
Show me a fan who doesn’t like Doug Dieken and I will show you a man who doesn’t like Cleveland Browns football. Dieken has been a pleasure to listen to for years and it’s going to be hard to see him go. Wishing the best of luck to Dieken — who is leaving some big shoes to fill.
"“1. Houston TexansMayfield may not prefer it, but he knows Texas well, hailing from Austin and playing at Texas Tech. More importantly, Houston is all but certain to move on from Deshaun Watson. Third-round rookie Davis Mills has flashed this year, but letting him learn and/or compete with Mayfield (before re-evaluating the 2023 QB class) would be more ideal. They’ve got more than enough money to do it.”"
Benjamin had several other teams on his list but the Houston Texans came in at No. 1 for him, and the idea makes sense considering he would be in a dome and playing in his home state. But again, this all comes down to whether or not the Browns are willing to trade Mayfield and as of now, they haven’t given any indication that they would.
It’s not just Cody Benjamin who sees potential for a change in Berea. Sayre Bedinger of NFL Spin Zone also discussed the possibility although he looked at it from a different angle. Bedinger looks at three potential replacements for Baker Mayfield, including two quarterbacks who know Kevin Stefanski well in Teddy Bridgewater and Kirk Cousins.
"“I’ve continued to lay it out on the line when I haven’t been healthy and tried to fight for our guys,” said Mayfield, who’s been playing with a harness on the shoulder to prevent it from popping out of place. “Now it’s time for me to start looking at what’s in the best interest of me and my health.”"
As mentioned earlier, Mayfield elected to call it a season — which was the right move. He needs a clean bill of health as he enters the fifth — and final — season of his rookie deal.
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