The Cleveland Browns have officially picked up the fifth-year option on starting quarterback Baker Mayfield’s contract, per numerous sources.
Picking up the option means the Browns are committed to paying Mayfield $18.858 million for the 2022 NFL season. The team had until May 3rd to exercise the option, which is built into the contract status of every first-round pick. Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
There was no real question if the Browns would exercise the option. The only other option was to sign Mayfield to an extension beyond the 2022 season. Cleveland can still do that; exercising the option does not prevent any further contract negotiations.