Browns: 4 players under contract who should not be brought back

Case Keenum

This was a terrible contract. $18 million for a quarterback who won’t ever play, and who’s 33 years old, with a history of inconsistency? He had one good year and now he’s making more money than Nick Chubb. Talk about a bad joke.

Keenum’s gonna cost the Browns at least $1.333 million if he’s cut this year or next. However, if he’s cut or traded before June 1, he’ll cost the Browns $5.166 million (cut) or $2.66 million (trade). After the first of June though, trading him will save the Browns $6 million to put to Chubb. You can argue having a “good” backup all you want behind Baker Mayfield “just in case”, and that’s fair, but Keenum isn’t good. He knows the system but his career numbers clearly indicate his one year in Minnesota was a fluke, not the standard. The Browns can definitely upgrade and can do so at a discount while putting the money saved towards Chubb’s new deal.

There’s no reason to pay Keenum $6 million a year when Mayfield’s making $10 million in 2021. The Browns seriously messed up signing a backup to that type of contract. Think this is an overreaction? Aaron Rodgers back up is Tom Boyle. Russell Wilson’s backup is Geno Smith. Patrick Mahomes’ backup is Chad Henne.

Not one of those players makes $6 million to be a backup. In fact, those three men don’t make $6 million combined.

The Browns management really didn’t have a clue what they had in Mayfield and overspent on a one-year-wonder just in case.

Now that Mayfield has taken his place on the throne as the once and future king of the AFC North (and subsequently the Browns) it’s time to bid adieu to Keenum.