Report: Browns plan to bring Mayfield back in 2022
The Cleveland Browns intend to bring back Baker Mayfield in 2022, and they reiterated their plan to the quarterback's representatives Thursday at the NFL combine, Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reports.
The two sides reportedly also agreed to have Mayfield enter the final year of his rookie contract without an extension.
Mayfield is coming off a down season in which he threw for a career-low 3,010 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He labored through a shoulder injury for most of 2021-22 and underwent surgery at the end of the campaign.
While trade speculation has hovered over high-profile signal-callers like Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and Deshaun Watson, Cleveland doesn't anticipate landing anyone from that group. The Browns also don't view Jimmy Garoppolo - the veteran quarterback who's most likely to switch teams - as a clear upgrade over Mayfield. Additionally, Jameis Winston and Teddy Bridgewater headline a lackluster crop of free agents at the position.
Mayfield enjoyed his best season in 2020 when he threw for 3,563 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions and led Cleveland to its first playoff berth since 2002. The 26-year-old has thrown 92 touchdowns and 56 interceptions while owning an 87.8 passer rating over his four-year career.
The Browns drafted Mayfield first overall in 2018, hoping he'd develop into their long-awaited franchise quarterback.