The Browns have yet to engage in negotiations with Baker Mayfield on a long-term deal. However, owner Jimmy Haslam made it clear that it’s more a matter of when, not if, Mayfield will sign an extension.
[RELATED: Browns Exercise Option On Baker Mayfield]
“We’re are all pleased to see the growth in Baker last year both as a player and as a leader,’’ Haslam said during a recent press conference (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com). “We all understand how important quarterback is in the NFL. We were delighted to see that.
“Baker deserves a fifth-year option, and he and Andrew [Berry] have both addressed the possibility of things after that. We’ll leave that up to Andrew to decide when that happens, but we’re well pleased with where Baker is.”
It’s a bit refreshing to see an owner defer to his general manager, but Haslam seems to be hinting that Mayfield would stick around Cleveland for the foreseeable future. There’s no real rush for the two sides to agree on a long-term pact, and it makes some sense for both sides to exercise patience. For the Browns, they can continue to evaluate the progress of the former first-overall pick, especially following a career year where Mayfield led the Browns to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
For Mayfield, it makes sense to wait for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson , who could easily land a five-year deal in excess of $210MM, putting him just behind Patrick Mahomes‘ league-leading average annual value. Mayfield would command less than the Ravens QB, but Jackson’s deal could push Mayfield’s ask above $35MM/year.
For what it’s worth, Mayfield isn’t all that worried about a lack of extension, with the 26-year-old noting that he has greater priorities at the moment.
“Whatever happens, happens, but it really is out of my control at this point,” Mayfield said (via Cabot). “The fifth-year option just happened so a long-term deal is a little bit on the back burner for me. I am not worried about it. I want to go out and win games. I think everything happens for a reason so we will see what happens.”
baker is a perfect fit for the city of cleveland. i hope he stays. glad to see jimmy and dee deferring to andrew berry instead of trying to meddle lol
Why doesn’t mute work on the App.
“ especially following a career year where Mayfield led the Browns to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.”
Let’s reword this
“ especially following a career year where Mayfield was carried by the best running game and the 5 weakest schedule and had to rely on other teams losing to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.”
I’m glad you were able to make that comment and probably high five yourself
Correction…..Browns didn’t need anyone to lose to make the playoffs. Not unless you’re talking about week 10. Mayfield carried the team in the 2nd half of the season. 20 TD’s and 3 picks are pretty good for 11 games counting the playoffs
Baker lacks maturity in my opinion. Not a Browns fan so I get why people want him compared to the bad luck they have had at QB. I just don’t ever see him leading any team to a Super Bowl. Hopefully I’m wrong. I think his career will be Kirk Cousins, Andy Dalton, maybe a little better but not enough. I think his endorsement commercials were putting the cart before the horse by a long shot.
I can tell you’re not a Browns fan if you think this. You’re probably just judging him from his college days because he’s matured a ton since then. He’s been a genuine leader and the team has rallied around him.
The Browns will never win anything with Mayfield. When the going gets tough he usually makes a big mistake.