Cleveland Browns: 5 major issues still needing to be addressed in 2022 offseason
By Randy Gurzi
![Nov 7, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Quinton Spain (67) and Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) are separated during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports Nov 7, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Quinton Spain (67) and Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) are separated during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F17115167-850x560-0e0ed181adb92b9f567bbe48f05a76cef47d4b3e363575620a25c60d5c1121b4.jpg)
Cleveland Browns issue No. 2: The Baker Mayfield dilemma
After the Cleveland Browns added Deshaun Watson, it felt as though Baker Mayfield would be gone in a matter of days. But here we are heading into late April and he’s still on the roster.
One of the major reasons he remains there is his inability to keep his emotions in check. While it’s true those emotions fueled him at Oklahoma, the professional game is a completely different beast. Being driven by emotion is not a good way to find success and while Mayfield found his share of good times early, it’s started to catch up with him.
Two prime examples include his “goodbye letter” to Cleveland as soon as the Browns started to discuss a Deshaun Watson trade. Even when it appeared the team was out of the running, Mayfield proved he checked out and that’s not a look other teams were impressed with. No one wants to give the keys to their franchise to a guy who taps out when adversity hits.
Another was his appearance on the YNK podcast where he said he felt “disrespected” by the Browns, wanted to boo fans in cubicles, and passed the blame to the front office for their changes through the years.
Maybe none of this was inaccurate, but again, teams aren’t running to pay $18.9 million to a guy who wants to point fingers at anyone other than himself.
With all this being said, the Browns are doing the right thing waiting. They gain nothing by releasing him since his salary is fully guaranteed but they still need some resolution before starting the season.