In a year when the quarterback carousel is spinning at a fast pace, the Cleveland Browns, who often pass QBs as remotes consume batteries, are happy to have finally found one to hold onto for a long time.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed his belief that Baker Mayfield has proven that he can take his game to the next level and stabilize a franchise that is in constant motion.
“The quarterback position is, in my mind, the most important position in professional sports,” Berry said on Wednesday through the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “And until you have a victorious quarterback base, it’s really difficult to win and progress in the NFL, and often if that position isn’t productive or solidified, it can feel a lot like operating in neutral.
“This is something that certainly did not go unnoticed for us and definitely did not go unnoticed as an organization.
There were some tough times, especially in 2019, but the Browns believe that getting their first playoff victory in seemingly eons shows that Mayfield is the man for the long term.
Entering their fourth season, Mayfield and the Browns are at what has become a crossroads for clubs. Many extend massive extensions, while others roll over with the fifth year option and then have the franchise brand at their disposal. Browns have until May 3 to exercise the option of the fifth year, guaranteed only for injuries.
The Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams have regretted the big deals they gave Carson Wentz and Jared Goff, respectively, which led to the biggest deadline wage cap settlements when both were traded in this off-season.
Berry noted that he would not use Wentz’s situation and the subsequent $ 33.8 million of dead money to inform his decision on Mayfield.
“I don’t know if something that happened to any of the other 31 teams has an important influence, in terms of how we’re going to resolve the quarterback’s situation here,” said Berry. “For me, we will evaluate. that internally and make a decision that we think is the best for our team and our organization. I think it would be an exaggeration to say that this will serve as a cautionary tale or any kind of project for us. We will make the best decision for us with the information we have. “
Whether the Browns give Baker a massive new extension or not, Berry expects the QB to make another leap in 2021.
“Like all of our players, we want to see him take long strides and show growth as we enter the second year into our offensive and defensive systems,” said Berry. ” Baker is the first quarterback – you probably know the years more than I did – this led this team into the playoffs and a victory in the playoffs.
“He faced an enormous amount of adversity in his young career, very honestly with the changes he went through with the technical teams, front office, offensive systems and he stood out above all. And so I think we all saw him grow from week after week last year and we hope he will continue this progress and have a fantastic 2021 season for us. ”
As for Mayfield, he is already having an interesting off-season: