7 NFL quarterbacks under the most pressure to perform in 2020

2. Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears

While all of the quarterback listed face pressure in 2020, Mitchell Trubisky is the only one in direct competition in training camp. After the Chicago Bears traded for Nick Foles in the offseason, Trubisky is in real danger of losing his hold on the starting job after just three seasons. Even if he does beat out Foles, questions remain.

The Bears declined his fifth-year option in the offseason, showing a complete lack of confidence in their former No. 2 overall pick. If Trubisky takes a step forward, Chicago will have to decide whether to lock him up long-term, franchise tag him, or simply dismiss it as a fluke. No option is easy, and Trubisky’s track record does not suggest that he is capable of elevating the Bears.

However, Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy need to hope for the best. Their jobs are tied to the former first-rounder, and Trubisky’s failure could lead to a swift exit for both the head coach and general manager.

1. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

Baker Mayfield had a rough 2019 season after a promising rookie year, and his third campaign will have major ramifications for his future with the Browns. Cleveland has to make a decision on its former top pick’s fifth-year option in the offseason, and his up-and-down play under three different head coaches provides little clarity.

With the Browns likely moving to a run-first approach under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, Mayfield could benefit from a more structured offense. Freddie Kitchens was in over his head as a head coach in 2019, and Stefanski’s attack has worked with the Minnesota Vikings. If Mayfield can play on schedule and clean up his decision making, 2020 could be a big year.

Ultimately, the Browns may find that less is more in the passing game with Stefanski at the helm. Leaning on Nick Chubb could open up more play-action opportunities for Mayfield, a structure under which Kirk Cousins excelled in 2019. A similar rebound could lead Cleveland to make a vote of confidence in the former Oklahoma Sooner.