In a relatively easy decision, the Browns chose to pick up Baker Mayfield‘s fifth-year option on Friday. However, the Browns have not rushed to kick off extension talks with the quarterback, Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer hears. 
[RELATED: Browns Pick Up Baker Mayfield’s Option]
“I think you know me well enough that I’m not going to talk on that in this setting. I just don’t think it’s appropriate,’’ Browns GM Andrew Berry said earlier today. “But obviously you know both of those players [Mayfield and Denzel Ward] are extension-eligible.”
It’s not necessarily a bad situation for Mayfield, who may prefer to wait for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson, who is representing himself, recently started chatting with Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta about his next deal. Jackson 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 his ask above $35MM/year.
*collin cowherd has entered the chat*
I honestly would prefer Mayfield over Jackson. Sure he is more inconsistent, but he will get paid less and doesn’t carry the risk of style of play.
I don’t know if he’s more inconsistent than Jackson at this moment. Now the coaching staff has solidified in Cleveland, I think Mayfield will be more stable in his production-be that great or not great. Jackson will need some change to be a long term quarterback in the league-either as a player or in the system he’s playing in (really a bit of both).
Another quarterback to be paid a larger percentage of the salary cap than he is worth. Really a problem these sky-high QB contracts. Systemic imbalance.
Any idea how to fix this trend?
Yes, but it involves teams losing a star quarterback to bring it back down. Teams are paying these prices to avoid losing QBs-if a few teams say “we’ll let you walk” instead, then the QB doesn’t get his price any more.
I’m not necessarily suggesting that strategy myself, of course. But that’s the current situation. We are, however, seeing greater awareness by teams of the fact that a rookie contract is a team’s best friend in terms of roster building. The Cards, for instance, are absolutely bringing on any big name they can before Murray’s contract is up. They and the Bucs seem to be in a bidding war for names in the NFL. thing is, this strategy hasn’t worked yet. Or at least, it hasn’t conclusively proven that it’s worth it. QBs on rookie deals have won Superbowls, of course, but not as part of this “load up around the young QB” strategy and more part of the old school “build a foundation” strategy that happened to pick a good (or good enough) QB (like Roethlisberger, for instance).
IMO there are more quality QB’s in the league than I can ever remember. The number of “elite” passers probably hasn’t changed but top to bottom quality is better. I think is due to teams being more open minded about who can play in the league and also passing is more prevalent in all levels of the sport so guys are learning the position at a younger age and therefore better prepared to play at a professional level. Eventually the supply of quality players will drive down the price. I think paying either Mayfield or Jackson huge money is crazy. Both are replaceable. This is similar to Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton getting top of the market deals 6-7 years ago.
Well, we have to consider how much the rules have changed to enable passers to excel as they have. I don’t know that are more high quality passers now, but I will say that they are coming more ready to play (the good ones are, at least) than before. Part of that is also the pro game’s greater willingness to adjust to college schemes. I don’t think the QBs themselves are overall better, but the circumstances have altered to give them more of an advantage.
I’ve had that thought myself. Just don’t think it will happen. No team is going to lose what seems to be the “main cog” to success. (qb). I think the only way for teams to “reduce” salaries of Qbs isn’t letting them walk but rather to do the one thing football is loathe to do, and that is guaranteeing salaries of Qbs. We all hear guaranteed money is all that matters. The backend of contracts always get reworked or money is kicked down the road, etc. But some of these middle of the pack qbs (like Mayfield) may agree to lesser money knowing that their next 5-6 years are for all intents and purposes guaranteed because of X dollars each year are guaranteed in salary, not just signing bonus money. But football is afraid to do that to set the precedent I believe.
Well, Kirk Cousins did that. But I want to make clear that I agree that no team will let a quality QB walk like they do with other positions. That would, however, be the most effective way to address this problem.
“Lamar Jackson who is representing himself “. Wow what could possibly go wrong there ??
reminds me of my friend who bought a smoker so he could smoke the meat for his wedding and give it to the caterer so they can serve it. such a cheap idiot why not let people who specialize in a thing do that thing
They’ll pay Mayfield like a superstar, but he is middle of the pack at best.
We shall see. This is the 1st year that Mayfield has had the same play caller. He finished last year on a roll after learning the new system. Remember there was no ptre season. It’s best for Mayfield and the Browns to wait another year
Different time I bet if he played in Denver.
Tune
At “best” Mayfield is a top ten QB, possibly higher. Most of time he’s above average. I think you’re using a phrase without knowing its meaning.
Mayfield is very good, accurate and talented. He was certainly surrounded with weapons and protection around him, not to mention a solid defense. It’s all up to him to take this team to the next level. Do the Browns believe in him enough to allow him to hit free agency?
We shall see!