Browns Exercise Fifth-Year Option On QB Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield will remain with the Cleveland Browns until at least the end of the 2022 season. The team exercised the fifth-year option on the quarterback’s contract, according to an ESPN source. Mayfield is scheduled to make $18.86 million in 2022.

The 2018 No. 1 overall pick led the Browns to their first postseason appearance since 2002 last year. Better yet, he quarterbacked the team to their first playoff victory in 26 years when the Browns crushed the Steelers on Wild Card Weekend. Although the Browns only won 48-37, the final score made the game seem much closer than it actually was. Cleveland actually led 28-0 just minutes into the game and the outcome was never in doubt. Mayfield threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Browns snap a 17-game losing streak in Pittsburgh.

After a record-setting rookie season in which he threw more touchdown passes than any other rookie quarterback (27), Mayfield struggled at time during the 2019 season. Although expectations were high, the Browns finished just 6-10 that year. However, Mayfield thrived in his third professional season for head coach Kevin Stefanski last year. Mayfield finished the 2020 season with 26 touchdowns compared to just eight interceptions. He also ranked 10th in QBR (Quarterback Rating).

“I hope it is significantly better,” Stefanski said this week, when asked about Mayfield improving with another season in his scheme. “He has heard these plays over and over again. We have streamlined concepts, and we have tried to adjust what we do based on his strengths and our players’ strengths. I would hope he is much more comfortable from that perspective. That is what time allows you to do — time together.”

Mayfield is the 30th player to start at the quarterback position for the Browns since the team’s inception in 1999. It should be noted that he is eligible for an extension, which the team could engage him on later this offseason.

Article by Matt Brandon