Browns rumors, Baker Mayfield camp getting comfy with idea of free agency

Big names Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson were in the headlines, but the Cleveland Browns were not, meaning, barring something unforeseen, Baker Mayfield will open the season as the starting quarterback.

Browns GM Andrew Berry spoke to the media at the combine, where he indicated Mayfield would be back on the job. Then, according to a report, he re-iterated that to Mayfield’s camp, as the two sides met in Indianapolis during the combine, via TheLandonDemand.

That wasn’t the only thing discussed, according to TLOD’s Tony Grossi (sub needed). The front office asserted that no contract extension will be offered and that’s not bothering Team Mayfield, as the former No. 1 pick is apparently getting settled to the idea of being a free agent after playing 17 more games with the Browns.

"“Word is the Mayfield camp is not miffed about his lame-duck status and is getting more comfortable with the prospect of free agency in 2023,” Grossi wrote."

Tuesday was a tough day for Browns fans, as there were some holding out for the Rodgers miracle. It was always a long shot. Ultimately, Rodgers got what he wanted. More money and he’ll retire a Packer.

As for Wilson, a dozen teams supposedly inquired with the Seahawks about a trade. We don’t yet know if the Cleveland was one.

The road to the Super Bowl got a lot tougher as the AFC is now the king of elite quarterbacks. In the Browns own division, Cleveland must compete with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. In the west, Wilson joins Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Derek Carr. Haven’t even gotten to Josh Allen yet, yikes.

Hope now is a strategy for Browns fans, Baker Mayfield

So, while “Hope” isn’t a strategy for analytically driven types like former Browns personnel man and current Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, it’s become one for fans of the 2022 Cleveland Browns. The Dawg Pound has no alternative but to hope a healthy Baker Mayfield plays out of his mind, reaching a level play he’s never touched before.

Remember, the second half of 2020 was great, but it wasn’t good enough.

Barring something out of the bleachers, like a David Carr trade, or Arizona stupidly trading Kyler Murray, this is Cleveland’s lot, for better or worse.

And while the starter shouldn’t change, I do expect the Browns do something at the backup position. Keenum is making too much money. Forget Mitch Trubisky. He’ll be given a shot to start somewhere. Marcus Mariota is an option, and so should Teddy Bridgewater.

A potential trade for Kirk Cousins lingers, but with the AFC so stacked at the position, I’m not sure why that would breathe much life into the Browns’ Super Bowl chances.