re: EILI5: Why are the Browns looking to dump Baker Mayfield?

Would happily take him in New Orleans without selling the farm for Watson.

If Cleveland lands Watson, they lose all leverage re Baker.

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Idk why people think the browns should just accept mediocrity because they’ve been bad for the last 2 decades. I say good for them for actually trying to be good and win a Super Bowl.

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Exactly.

And if they don't get Watson, they still have Baker on the 5th year option this season with a serious incentive to play well to try to maximize his next contract. Not that Baker seems like the kind of dude who would sulk over the Browns looking for greener pastures but it will add extra fire.

I don't know if i will never forgive the Cleveland Browns for this. Its all about perspective...and the current Browns FO and millions of non-Browns...have absolutely none!!! What Baker Mayfield has done for the Cleveland Browns franchise and fan base is invaluable!! He steadied the ship without a captain. His career stats compared to his draft counterparts are either even or better. It's truly puzzling why so many in the media and around the country hate this kid??? Baker Mayfield led the Browns to a 7-8-1 record as a Rookie under Hue Jackson...HUE JACKSON!!! The same coach that went 1-41 in his previous 42 game stretch. The Browns hadn't won 7 games in a season since 2007!!! The stats tell a completely different story than what the media tells you.


Cleveland Browns:

7+ win seasons from 1999-2018 (19 seasons) pre Baker Mayfield:

2001 - (7-9)
2002 - (9-7)
2007 - (10-6)

7+ win seasons from 2018-2021 (4 seasons) with Baker Mayfield

2018 - (7-8-1)
2020 - (12-6) Playoff win @Pittsburgh
2021 - (8-9)

This was done with 4 head coaches!!!!!

Now lets compare stats to his draft counterparts

Baker Mayfield Career Stats:


14,125 yds passing (All-Time record for TDs by a rookie QB...in ONLY 14 games!!!)
571 yds rushing
92 TDs
52 INTs
61.6 comp%

Josh Allen Career Stats:

14,114 yds passing
2,325 yds rushing
103 TDs
46 Ints
62.3 comp%

Lamar Jackson Career stats:

9,967 yds passing
3,673 yds rushing
84 TDs
31 INTs
64.1 comp%


I just don't get it...despite dealing with one of the most dysfunctional Professional Franchises in ALL of American Sports...this kid came in here and got this franchise to new heights...and what does he get for it, being cheated on with a guy who is accused of 20+ sexual assaults. Let that all sink in...


PERSPECTIVE!!!!!!!!!

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14,125 yds passing (All-Time record for TDs by a rookie QB...in ONLY 12 games!!!)

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14 games, not 12.

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14 games, not 12.

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Whoops my bad...14 games!! Sigh

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Really EASY to say...but completely different to actually live through it. Do you realize the Browns went on a 1-41 stretch that included an 0-16 season and a Christmas eve miracle FG that saved us from back to back 0-16 season....back to back 0-16 season!!! Sorry, but i want beg to differ!!! Believe me...i would love to see the Browns win a Super Bowl...but right now...i just want the Browns to actually win games!! Baker Mayfield does that...including being 4-0 against the Joe Burrow Bengals!!

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I mean I know it sucks as a fan but to me there is not a worse spot to be in than being mediocre. At least when you’re bad and have draft picks there is hope. People won’t be wearing bags over their head when you’re 7-10 every year, but I’d rather my team at least try to win a championship than settle for perpetual mediocrity

Calling it now, Browns trade for Jimmy G.

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Vastly overpay dudes because you sucked in the past. That's how

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Doing something is better than nothing. They need stability there. Continuously running through HCs and Starting QBs does not lead to success. Look at the most successful franchises over the last 20-25 years. Consistency at HC and QB.

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For any other franchise, I’d agree. And i also agree that if you can get a proven upgrade at QB, do it. But if the browns can’t get a proven upgrade, you roll with Baker.

You also have to keep in mind he’s had 4 different HCs and 3 different OCs in his 4 years and was battling injuries last year. Granted, the browns should’ve just sat him by the halfway point of the season because you could tell he was injured to all hell. Week 1 he went blow for blow with Mahomes, made one bad pass at the end of the game because he slipped. Week 2 is when he got injured and from that point on, yeah he struggled.

I think the browns would be foolish to trade him if you can’t get one of those top QBs in exchange but it seems like the bridge might already be burned and they won’t be getting a proven upgrade at that position to replace him.

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I agree with all of this. Not only was Baker hurt, the OL had guys in and out of the lineup weekly, Chubb and Hunt were banged up all year, even Landry missed the first games of his career due to injury. Not to mention the OBJ drama, and the Covid suspension nonsense when they had two crucial games against the Raiders and Packers.

Yet the conclusion drawn by people after all of that is "Baker sucks" or "Baker isn't good enough".

He has shown he can be good enough when he and the rest of his offense are healthy. As was mentioned earlier, he needs some stability. I don't understand why people, especially a loud segment of Browns fans, are so eager to toss him aside.

What a well written message, that actually feels genuine.

I like baker, and he is the best QB the browns have had in a long long time. I wish him the best