The Cleveland Browns contacting Cam Newton is no statement on Baker Mayfield

The Cleveland Browns contacted Cam Newton after he was released but that’s no sign against Baker Mayfield.

The Cleveland Browns were the only other team to make a call to Cam Newton besides the New England Patriots, according to  Adam Schefter. Newton, the former NFL MVP, signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots this past weekend and will compete for the starting position in the upcoming season. The Browns also made a call to Newton but according to Schefter it wasn’t that serious, nor was it something that went anywhere. It should be noted that there was no revelation on when the call took place. Just that it happened at some point after Newton was cut from the Carolina Panthers.

So it’s entirely possible the Browns called Newton before Case Keenum.

The Browns have a starting quarterback in Baker Mayfield, and he’s been pretty good for the team. At least when you compare him against the last 20 years of quarterbacks. The Browns calling Newton, who’s no guarantee to start in New England, isn’t a sign that Kevin Stefanski isn’t interested in Mayfield as his starter going forward, but merely a sign that the team is doing their due diligence to make the team better overall. Even if it was to enquire about a backup quarterback.

That seems to be the case, after all. This could be why the call to Newton didn’t go anywhere, possibly due to him not being ready to take a backseat to anyone. Had the Browns been serious about Newton as a starter, however, the team would’ve gone after him much like they’re doing with Jadeveon Clowney. The team knows they’re not high on Clowney’s list, but they’re still pursuing him. If the Browns had wanted Newton as their starter, the team wouldn’t have been so quick to disengage talks with Newton. They would’ve pursued and offered a contract.

Newton would’ve been interesting to a degree if the Browns had gotten him as a backup. Much like Robert Griffen III in Baltimore or Taysum Hill in New Orleans, having Newton on the team could’ve added a unique wrinkle to the offense. He’s big and fast enough to play tight end in the league and having him as a backup would’ve allowed packages that the team just can’t do with Keenum.

While Newton isn’t better than Mayfield today, some will see the Browns calling Newton as a sign that the team isn’t high on the current starter. That’s just not it. It’s just simply smart to leave no stone unturned. After all, if the Browns wanted Newton, the Browns would’ve had Newton.