Should the Browns extend Baker Mayfield?

After an impressive 2020 campaign, the Browns have a decision to make on Baker Mayfield’s contract situation.

For every NFL team during the offseason, an evaluation process of the current roster ensues. Each player’s value is discussed and addressed by the coaching staff/front office. For the Cleveland Browns, the main storyline circulating is on the franchise’s decision to extend Baker Mayfield or pick up his fifth year option.

The Browns have repeatedly vocalized their unwavering faith in their QB1, which would lend to the assumption they are willing to extend his contract. His play in 2020 under center certainly upped his stock. He commanded the huddle with poise and led the Browns to a playoff game- the club’s first postseason appearance since 2002.

After going 6-10 in 2019, the club hired Kevin Stefanski to replace Freddie Kitchens as head coach. Mayfield thrived and developed in Stefanski’s system. The former Sooner underwent his fourth offensive coordinator in 2020 with Alex Van Pelt since he was drafted (Todd Haley, Freddie Kitchens, Todd Monken). Both Van Pelt and Stefanski brought out the best in Mayfield with a zone-blocking run scheme to benefit running back Nick Chubb and to open up the play-action passing game.

Browns GM Andrew Berry is not always transparent but in a press conference with media, his answer gave praise to Mayfield and confidence in his abilities.

“Like all our players, we want to see them take strides and show growth as we go into Year 2 within our offensive and defensive systems. Look, Baker is the first quarterback in- you guys probably know the years more than I do- who has led this organization, led this team to the playoffs and a playoff victory. He has endured an enormous amount of adversity in his young career, just quite honestly with the changes he has gone through with coaching staffs, front offices, and offensive systems, and he has risen above it all. I think we all saw him grow from week to week last year, and we expect him to continue that process and have a fantastic 2021 for us.” (comments from Browns General Manager Andrew Berry)

The earlier the Browns can get a deal done with Mayfield the better. Waiting adds additional money to a possible extension and the faster it gets done, the better for a salary cap overview.

Mayfield played at a high level in 2020 and made a strong case to get paid. He proved his worth on the gridiron and led the squad’s offensive charge.

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In 2020, Mayfield completed 305 passes for 3,563 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions (career-low) for a career-high 95.9 quarterback rating. He improved down the stretch in his 2020 campaign and brought the Browns to their best regular season record since 1994 (11-5). After the club’s first winning season in 13 years, it stands to reason Mayfield has earned a pay day. Time will tell if Mayfield will play out his current rookie contract or will the Browns give their former No. 1 pick an extension.

He put up an impressive 2020 year but the Browns may opt to take their time and see what he does in 2021 calling plays. Mayfield seems to be the team’s franchise quarterback moving forward but the main question is what dollar amount will satisfy the young QB?