Browns reportedly sticking with Baker Mayfield in 2022
The Cleveland Browns plan to retain quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2022, despite his subpar performance in the 2021 season, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Mayfield, 26, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and is now set to play next season on the $18.858 million fifth-year option of his rookie contract. According to NFL Network's report, "the expectation as of now is he'll play it out in Cleveland."
One report said that Mayfield and Browns coach Kevin Stefanski have butted heads to the point that the quarterback could ask to be traded in the offseason. But Mayfield emphatically denied that claim in a tweet that accused the reporter of putting words in his mouth.
Mayfield struggled through a shoulder injury for almost the entire 2021 season after suffering a partially torn labrum in Week 2. While he still managed to play 14 games, Mayfield was ruled out of the Browns' Week 18 matchup to have shoulder surgery "as soon as possible."
A year ago, Mayfield finished the 2020 season with 26 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a career-best 95.9 passer rating. The Browns finished 11-5 and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. This season, Mayfield regressed in every statistical category, finishing with 17 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and an 83.1 passer rating.
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