Factory Of Sadness
FanSided

There are 17 teams that could use Baker Mayfield in 2023 and a reason why for each

By Chad Porto

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a preseason game at TIAA Bank Field on August 14, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a preseason game at TIAA Bank Field on August 14, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 11: Justin Houston #50 of the Indianapolis Colts and Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns meet after the Browns beat the Colts 32-23 at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 11: Justin Houston #50 of the Indianapolis Colts and Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns meet after the Browns beat the Colts 32-23 at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

AFC South

Houston Texans

Reason: No clear starter

I don’t think anyone is comfortable with Davis Mills as their starter, and sure, he could surprise everyone. Or he could be a good manager that doesn’t turn the ball over. The Texans could use a shot in the arm and someone like Baker Mayfield could be the guy to give it to them. That franchise is in as bad shape as the Browns from a public relations perspective, so Mayfield may want to avoid Houston for a while.

Indianapolis Colts

Reason: Matt Ryan’s age and decline

Every quarterback drops off eventually and I believe Matt Ryan is on his way to bottoming out. The Colts yet again invested in an aging quarterback and it likely won’t pan out for them. Ryan, like Phillip Rivers and Carson Wentz, may be a one-year-and-done kinda guy. If that’s the case, Mayfield makes all the sense in the world, as he’s younger, played well in the same system the Colts used, and the indoor stadium will make sure the weather doesn’t affect Mayfield as it did in Cleveland. This is among the top choices for Mayfield should Ryan retire or play poorly.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Reason: Trevor Lawrence may not improve

It may be too quick to give up on a quarterback after year two, but Trevor Lawerence didn’t look bad as a rookie, he looked awful. It’s easy to look like a god when you’re playing with Clemson against the likes of East-West Tennessee State Tech of Chattanooga State but in the NFL? Different game. The Jaguars are not a well ran club, so they may think Lawrence has potential when he doesn’t or gets rid of him due to an itchy trigger finger. If the Jaguars do move on from Lawrence or want to bring in a veteran to push him, Mayfield should avoid Jacksonville. At all costs. The XFL is starting next year, if Jacksonville is the last choice, go to the XFL.

Tennessee Titans

Reason: Ryan Tannehill may not be the guy

It makes sense that the Tennessee Titans would bring in Mayfield to replace Ryan Tannehill. If the incumbent starter doesn’t raise the level of his game, he’ll be out the door. The Titans can save $27 million if they cut him after June 1, and then Mayfield could come in and see what he can do with a competent head coach in Mike Vrable. This is a pretty desirable landing spot for Mayfield, so if Tannehill does tank, hopefully, the Titans have an interest.

Home/Cleveland Browns