Report: Browns commit to Baker Mayfield as starting QB for 2022

Following a recent report claiming that the Cleveland Browns intend to start Baker Mayfield at quarterback for the 2022 NFL season via the fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract, Browns general manager Andrew Berry repeated previous comments and said Tuesday he "fully" expects Mayfield will remain atop the depth chart through at least Week 1 this coming September. 

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com now reports team officials and individuals representing Mayfield met at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, as scheduled, and that the Browns confirmed their "plans to start (Mayfield) in 2022 and not replace him with a veteran QB" during that conversation. 

Unsurprisingly, the sides agreed that Mayfield will begin the next campaign on the option worth $18.858 million guaranteed and, thus, will essentially be on a lucrative one-year "prove it" deal. 

Cabot adds the Browns are not among teams allegedly interested in San Francisco 49ers signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo "because they don’t view him as a clear-cut upgrade over Mayfield" and that Cleveland doesn't appear to be a realistic landing spot for the likes of Green Bay Packers starter Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, or Houston Texans wantaway star Deshaun Watson, among others. 

Mayfield struggled throughout the bulk of his fourth pro season but also suffered a serious injury to his non-throwing shoulder in Week 2 on Sept. 19 that required him to go under the knife on Jan. 19. The 26-year-old could resume throwing in April and should be good to go for training camp, presumably as Cleveland's QB1.