For nearly the entirety of the Cleveland Browns in the 21st century, signing a free agent QB with appreciable NFL accomplishment would throw gasoline onto the chaotic fire. With QB competitions seemingly every offseason for both the starter and reserve roles, it’s a preprogrammed response for Browns fans to throw hands in the air and wonder what the heck is going on.
Thankfully that’s not the case anymore. Baker Mayfield is firmly entrenched as the starting QB. Now entering his third season as the starter, it’s Mayfield’s team.
That was made readily evident, just in case anyone doubted, by the new veteran signing with the team himself. Case Keenum was quick to point out in his introductory press conference this week. Keenum appreciates his role as the veteran mentor and backup familiar with new head coach Kevin Stefanski’s system from their days together in Minnesota. Keenum related that Mayfield shares that appreciation.
“Baker reached out as soon as the news broke, which really meant a lot to me,” Keenum said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for him for what he’s done on the field and off the field, too. First and foremost, I know my role coming in. That’s another great positive for me. I’m going to be ready to play. I feel like I’ve played at a high level for the last three years.”
Keenum and Garrett Gilbert are both behind Mayfield, a situation the team seems comfortable to keep throughout 2020.