Browns still not talking long-term contract with QB Baker Mayfield?

It was reported in early September that Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Baker Mayfield was "cool" with a "lack of substantive" contract extension talks at that time. The first overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft is currently set to play through the 2022 campaign on the fifth-year option attached to his rookie deal. 

Like during the fall of 2020, Mayfield has experienced on-the-field highs and lows over the past two months and also had to deal with public scrutiny over his lack of connections with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., a topic that was silenced when the Browns officially released Beckham earlier this week. 

Following that transaction, Cleveland locked down guards Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio via extensions, leading some to wonder if the starting QB is on the cusp of receiving a second pro contract. However, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports Mayfield and the team "haven’t engaged in substantive contract talks yet, but they could start before the end of the season." 

Mayfield will earn $18.858 million from the fifth-year option, which could prove to be a discount if he leads the Browns to the playoffs for the second straight January. Per ESPN stats, he's 12th in the league among eligible quarterbacks with a 99.4 passer rating, but his other numbers hardly leap off a figurative page. He's 25th with a 44.3 total QBR, 23rd with 1,917 passing yards and tied for 23rd with eight touchdown throws. 

Mayfield defenders may accurately claim Cleveland's offense heavily relies on its dominant rushing attack, particularly inside the red zone. Still, it seems a safe bet even the 26-year-old would admit he's left at least some points on the field over the season's first nine games.