Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns entered the season with high expectations and were considered one of the top teams in the AFC. The season didn’t go their way and they were eliminated from the playoffs this past weekend after losing four of their last five games.
One of the reasons the Browns won’t make the playoffs this year is the performance of Baker Mayfield. The former first overall pick has not taken that next step this year and in fact, has regressed with only 17 passing touchdowns and 13 interceptions and averaged a career-low of 215 passing yards per game.
When looking at this season, injuries likely played a big role in Mayfield’s struggles but Cleveland may not be ready to commit to him as their long-term answer at the position. He almost certainly will be with the team next year since they picked up his fifth-year option but adding legitimate competition in Mitchell Trubisky could be the best solution for 2022.
The defense is still one of the best in the league and the offense has a great rushing attack with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The Browns can’t afford another season seeing if Baker Mayfield can be the answer and having Trubisky on the roster could be a good second option.