Cleveland Browns: 3 Free Agents that may not have a mutual interest
By Greg Newland
Free-agent not interested in Cleveland Browns No. 3 – Marcus Mariota
I don’t think anyone will argue, the quarterback is a huge question for the Cleveland Browns in 2022. It doesn’t matter if you think Baker Mayfield will come back healthy, or if you want to see the team make a move, no one is certain how things will play out.
Given the contract of Mayfield, I don’t see the Browns able to trade for a true upgrade at the position. I do, however, see them releasing Case Keenum and bringing in a younger backup that has experience starting in the league.
Keenum is owed too much money, and it’s silly to keep him around if you aren’t going to use him. The Browns had multiple times last year to utilize him, and they didn’t.
Marcus Mariota, the seven-year pro who has a lot of starting experience is a backup option that makes a ton of sense. He’s athletic, has a strong arm, and still has a lot of life in his career.
By no means am I saying he is an upgrade to Mayfield, but he certainly could provide some strong competition in camp. But why would Mariota want to come to Cleveland? He’s going to have to battle for a starting job, and he knows how split the city is on Mayfield. He would be the most hated guy in the city by some if he took his job.
Mariota would be a great option for the Browns, but I’m not sure he’ll have any interest.