3 long-term replacements for Baker Mayfield the Browns should consider

The Cleveland Browns may be better off moving on from Baker Mayfield and looking to a brighter future at the quarterback position.

In the fourth year of the Baker Mayfield era, it may be time for the Browns to admit that he isn’t the franchise quarterback who will take them to Super Bowl glory.

Cleveland is in danger of missing the playoffs in 2021 after suffering an embarrassing blowout loss to the Patriots. They’re 5-5 and in last place in the AFC North.

Mayfield threw for just 73 yards on 11-of-21 passing against New England before coming out with a knee contusion. It was a performance that gave ammunition to those in the Browns fanbase who don’t buy into Mayfield as “the guy.”

Baker Mayfield benched: Who could replace Browns QB if struggles continue?

Aaron Rodgers, Packers

How could Browns acquire him? Unless the Packers cut Rodgers, which is unwise, it would have to be a trade.

Practically every team out there wants Aaron Rodgers. The Browns shouldn’t be any different.

The fact is, they have an expensive decision to make on Mayfield. He is due $18 million in the fifth year of his contract in 2022 and that’s a huge discount compared to the going rate for quarterbacks these days. When the time comes to negotiate a new contract, Mayfield will be looking for more than $30 million per year with the prospect of a $40 million per year contract.

Is Mayfield worth that much? One thing is undeniable: Rodgers is.

The Buccaneers are proof positive of what investing in a Hall of Fame quarterback, even an aging one, can bring you. Cleveland should go all-in on the Rogers sweepstakes by selling him on the strong running game and locked in offensive line.