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3 Baker Mayfield replacements Browns should already be targeting

By Scott Rogust

Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malik Willis, Liberty Flames
Malik Willis, Liberty Flames. (Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports) /

If the Cleveland Browns want to find a replacement for quarterback Baker Mayfield, these three names are worth keeping an eye on.

The Cleveland Browns used the first-overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft on Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield. The hope was that he would be the long-term answer at the position for the foreseeable future. It sure did look promising in his rookie season, when he started in relief of the injured Tyrod Taylor.

Ever since, Mayfield could not replicate the production in his first NFL season. This year, Mayfield has struggled, which can be attributed a bit to his left shoulder injury. On Christmas Day, the fourth-year signal caller made the start against the Green Bay Packers after being activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list. In the first half, Mayfield threw three brutal interceptions but it luckily did not cost Cleveland too much.

The Browns may need to evaluate the quarterback position this offseason, especially if they believe they can contend for the playoffs. Here are three options they should keep an eye on this offseason.

Browns: Baker Mayfield replacements to already be targeting

Malik Willis, Liberty

The Browns, given their current standing in the NFL, are more likely than not going to pick in the middle of the first round. That could very well put them out of position to select Pitt’s Kenny Pickett or Ole Miss’ Matt Corral. But, there are still some solid first-round signal-callers that can fall in Cleveland’s lap.

Liberty’s Malik Willis could be one of them.

Willis has shown throughout his time in college that he can make plays with his arm and his feet. This season as the starting quarterback for the Flames, Willis threw for 2,857 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 61.1-percent of his passes. Additionally, Willis ran for 878 yards and 13 touchdowns on 197 carries.

In the LendingTree Bowl, Willis complete 13-of-24 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns, while running for 58 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. Willis’ performance helped lead Liberty to a 56-20 win over Eastern Michigan.

If head coach Kevin Stefanski wants to develop his own young signal-caller, Willis would be a solid option for the Browns.

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