What exactly will the Cleveland Browns do this offseason?
Cleveland Browns Rumor No. 1: Will Baker Mayfield be the starter in 2022?
After a disappointing end to the 2021 campaign, there have been nothing but questions surrounding quarterback Baker Mayfield and who to blame for the woes from last season.
It didn’t help the team — or Mayfield’s case for a potential contract extension — when he played through a torn shoulder labrum for just about the entire season. While it’s a whole other topic whether or not Baker should have opted in for the surgery during the season, it’s quite clear that his poor play in 2021 was partially due to the injury but also caused by other factors.
There have been what seems to be never-ending rumors this offseason about the Browns potentially trading for another veteran quarterback who is already proven.
Some names that have been floating around are Jimmy Garoppolo, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Derek Carr, and even Deshaun Watson.
Most of them won’t end up getting moved from their team and even if some of them are traded, the chances that it is to Cleveland is very, very low. General manager Andrew Berry has said that he fully expects the Browns to stick with Mayfield as their starter in 2022 on multiple occasions.
Another possibility at the quarterback position would be to bring in some sort of competition for Mayfield. Some names that have been circulating are Mitchell Trubisky or Marcus Mariota. While it would be interesting, it probably isn’t the best idea. If the Browns are confident in Mayfield, then you need give him the opportunity to go out there and hope for a similar season from 2020 as the full-time starter.
It’s probably a little more likely for the Browns to bring in some competition but as of now, neither option is likely whatsoever.
Andrew Berry reiterated Tuesday at the NFL combine that the front office will look and consider every move that can help improve the roster.
Next. 5 trade or releases Cleveland Browns could make this offseason. dark
While a quarterback change is possible, I fully expect the Browns to roll Mayfield out next season where he’ll play on the final year of his contract in hopes of cashing in with an extension.