5 reasons Browns can win with Baker Mayfield in 2020

3. The addition of Austin Hooper

The Browns made a big statement this offseason by making Hooper the highest paid tight end in football. Giving him a four-year contract for $42 million might prove to be a slight overpay, but adding him to the offense is going to give Mayfield a big boost.

Hooper’s ability to work all three levels of the field with his patterns makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses to handle. The plays he can make deep down the seam may make the most highlights, but he should help Mayfield even more by becoming his safety valve on short and medium throws.

The presence of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry will make it difficult for defenses to double cover Hooper. He’s simply too fast to be checked by linebackers and his size makes him a mismatch against safeties or cornerbacks. That size also gives him a catch radius that will make him an attractive target for Mayfield on third down.

Tight end was the only skill position where the Browns could really make a significant upgrade this offseason. Adding Hooper to Mayfield’s group of wide receivers gives him one of the most complete receiving corps in football. He and Mayfield are going to put up big numbers together in 2020.