Baker Mayfield isn’t following his Browns contract negotiations as closely as we are

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield isn’t following his contract negotiations closely, insisting his attention is on winning in Week 1 and beyond.

When will Baker Mayfield get a contract extension from the Browns? The quarterback doesn’t know, and that’s okay.

Mayfield isn’t focusing on the potential for a new deal. He has his eyes firmly set on the season opener against the Chiefs.

“I’m not doing negotiations, so quite frankly, I don’t give a damn,” Mayfield told reporters on Sunday via Jake Trotter of ESPN. “I’m worried about winning Week 1 and going on to Week 2 and focusing on that week, one week at a time. That’s my mindset, so no matter how many times I get asked this question throughout the year, it’s going to be the same answer because that’s just the truth.”

Baker Mayfield and the Browns will eventually hope to agree on a new contract

Mayfield, who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2018, is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract. He was one year left before becoming a free agent after the 2022 season.

There’s no question the Browns will want to lock him up with a sizable new deal. Last season, he led the team to an 11-5 record and their first playoff victory since 1994.

With other top quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Dak Prescott making more than $40 per year, Mayfield can expect a massive payday when the time comes. He’s a steal at $10.5 million this year and $18.8 million next year.

Running back Nick Chubb just got a three-year extension while Pro Bowl defensive back Denzel Ward could be next in line for a new contract.

Expectations are as high as they’ve been in ages for Cleveland. Their future depends on Mayfield leading them forward.

The 25-year-old posted the best QBR of his career last year at 72.2. He threw for 3,563 yards and 26 touchdowns while drastically reducing his interception total down to eight. He completed 62.8 percent of his passes.