The NFL offseason is upon us with many former Oklahoma Sooners being involved. Six of which could be playing elsewhere in 2021 as they are slated to be free agents. There is also a slew of other former Sooners who could be impacted when the offseason officially begins with free agency that opens in March.
Recently the NFL analysts who cover the sport for ESPN came up with bold predictions for all 32 teams, two of those predictions involve former Oklahoma quarterbacks.
The Browns will extend quarterback Baker Mayfield, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid players.
What ESPN Says:
Coming into last season, Mayfield had plenty of doubters following a rough second season. But after guiding the Browns to their first playoff win in 26 years, while throwing 20 TDs with only 3 INTs after Week 6, Mayfield showed he’s the franchise QB whom Cleveland has longed for these past two decades. As a result, the Browns will make sure he remains in Cleveland for the foreseeable future. — Jake Trotter
What Sooners Wire Says:
Coming into the 2020 season it seemed like a lot of old feelings resurfacing for the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield had issues with turning the football over, a young player in the league so it was expected. When you are the No. 1 overall pick there is a higher level of expectation, especially at the quarterback position. In his first two seasons, the former Heisman Trophy winner had thrown a total of 35 interceptions with 13 fumbles. Was this going to be another failed attempt to fix the quarterback position?
The team changed the head coach going with former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefansky. More often than not with a rookie head coach, it takes time to put everything in place. That wasn’t the case and Mayfield drastically improved under his head coach. He would throw just eight interceptions last season and led the Browns to their first playoff win in almost 30 years.
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Given his growth in year one, one could absolutely see the franchise lock him up long-term and focus on other areas to improve the football team.
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Next, a bold proclamation on the quarterback battle in Philadelphia