3 reasons Baker Mayfield could still be on Browns Week 1 roster in 2022

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Dec 25, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) reacts while warming up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason Baker Mayfield could be on the 2022 roster No. 3 – He has no leverage

Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns front office have shown that they will never hold a player hostage. When Odell Beckham demanded his release shortly after the trade deadline last season, they not only obliged, they didn’t even force a contract restructure which all but guaranteed him from being claimed on waivers and allowed him to become a free agent.

So, I don’t necessarily think the Browns would hold Mayfield hostage on the roster to prove a point, but the truth is he currently has no leverage. He is under contract to play for the Browns during the 2022 season, and if he doesn’t show up the team can fine him and earn a portion of that $18.9 million back.

If Berry could even get a seventh-round pick in 2023 he would send Mayfield to any team in the league right now, but unfortunately, no one is willing to play ball. Mayfield will certainly have interest if he becomes a free agent, but no one is willing to give up anything for an average NFL quarterback.

Browns fans are quick to praise him for taking the organization to the playoffs in 2020 (which he deserves to an extent), but the guy has never thrown for over 4,000 yards and has struggled to find a way to close out games.

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