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Quarterback-needy teams will consider using a first-round pick to acquire one tonight. Why not consider making a less-than-great choice to win over a man who’s proven he can?
Make no mistake. Though the Browns decide to move on, Mayfield has had two solid years with a team that has been mired in dysfunction for nearly two decades. In 2018, amid the mess that was Hue Jackson’s last year to be fired mid-season, Mayfield has been solid. In 2019, he returned under a head coach who, frankly, should never have been head coach.
In 2020, Mayfield has been spectacular. He took the team into the last eight and they gave the Chiefs a fight for their money. In the first week of 2021, Mayfield once again brought the Fear of Dawg to the Chiefs. Then came a shoulder injury that marred the remainder of his senior season in Cleveland.
Mayfield can play. Why not rely on the proven goods? At just $18.8 million for 2022 — a lot for a starting quarterback given the current market — it’s a bargain.
The Browns sure hope someone sees it that way. In fact, by using a first-round pick for a quarterback, this team is essentially trading a first-round pick for a quarterback that is completely unproven. Why not trade something way less than that for a quarterback who’s shown he can do it?
Teams to watch are the Panthers, Falcons, Seahawks and (I’m not ready to stop now) the Lions. In the end, whoever trades for Mayfield could get the real bargain price.