Browns rumors: ‘Mayfield’s support in the building has never been weaker’
It wouldn’t really be all that surprising if the Cleveland Browns upgraded the quarterback position, especially as Baker Mayfield’s stock sunk through injury, and then the “Odell’s always open” Instagram video.
But it’s always been an assumption that the Browns would look to find someone better…until now.
TheLandonDemand’s Tony Grossi published a mailbag column and took a question that asked, “We speak about Baker detractors often, but do you have insight into supporters in the building? How do the coaches feel?”
Grossi responded by writing the following, (subscription required).
"“My answer may be construed as speculation, but it is based on my best available information: I am confident in saying that Mayfield’s support in the building has never been weaker. Everyone knows they have to get a lot better at quarterback. The question consuming that building right now is: How?”"
He seems to be very careful with his wording here, and you can understand why. That said, I took his comments to mean that based off what he’s hearing from whomever he talks to at Browns HQ, is relaying what we all know: That the Browns need to get better at quarterback.
“Hope” probably not a strategy for Browns
Factor in that nugget, with newly hired Vikings Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who recently made a quotable quote when he said, “Hope is not a strategy.”
This is the guy who comes from the Andrew Berry and Paul DePodesta tree, so one would think they share the same philosophy.
If that’s the case, then the Browns aren’t just going to sit back and “hope” Mayfield recovers from injury and recaptures his magic from the second half of 2020.
I anticipate a trade. For who, I’m not going to sit here and pretend I know. We all know who’s available–and just because the Browns express inserting in someone doesn’t mean they’ll be able to consummate a deal.
Money matters, too, so don’t look for Cleveland to replace him just to throw another guy out there. Mayfield’s under contract for $18 million. He’s made the playoffs before. That’s pretty reasonable for the going rate of an NFL starting quarterback.
Next. This 7-round Browns mock gets interesting after Round 1. dark
The official league year doesn’t start for another month, but when the Browns get rolling on 2022, I”ll be keeping Grossi’s answer–and Mensah’s quote, in mind.