Browns: 4 expectations for Baker Mayfield in 2021

Baker Mayfield did something no Browns quarterback has done since Vinny Testaverde guided Cleveland to a playoff victory in 1994.

After a dismal 2019 sophomore season under Freddie Kitchens, Mayfield’s rebounded under the guidance of Kevin Stefanski. When your coach and quarterback are going strong, chances are, your team is in great shape. Currently, things haven’t been better for the Browns. For a generation that has only endured losing, it’s a strange feeling.

Mayfield’s contract is the next domino to fall for the Browns, but it remains unclear if Cleveland will try and extend him before the start of the season. Because Mayfield was a first-round pick, Cleveland can pick up the fifth-year option on the quarterback.

Don’t look for Mayfield to get Patrick Mahomes money, but something to the tune of Dak Prescott’s deal could be the framework for Baker’s new pact (This is just me speculating, so we’ll see.)

Prescott signed a four-year, $160 million extension. He got an NFL record $66 million signing bonus, meaning he’ll net $75 million in 2021.

With Baker on the cusp of big-time, starting quarterback money, here’s for expectations to place on the the field general entering his fourth year.