5 quarterbacks Browns can sign/draft to replace Baker Mayfield

Jameis Winston might be on the way out of the New Orleans Saints organization

While there have been moments over the last two years where Jameis Winston looked like he could be the guy to replace Drew Brees long-term at quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, this could be the most impactful offseason the Saints have had since they took a chance on Brees in 2006. Head coach Sean Payton could leave, and Winston may be looking at starting once again.

Though turnovers ruined his Tampa Bay Buccaneers tenure, Winston has many of the traits necessary to win in a northern climate. It is why he drew comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger coming out of Florida State. While maturity issues have hurt him throughout his pro career, maybe the Browns are willing to take a shot on Winston on a one-year prove-it deal to replace Mayfield?

Marcus Mariota will have one more opportunity to prove he is an NFL starter

Of the many quarterbacks hitting free agency this offseason, the one that makes the most sense for the Browns to pursue is Marcus Mariota. While it did not work out for him with the Tennessee Titans, Mariota has been one of the better backups in the league since joining the Las Vegas Raiders two years ago. However, he is never going to usurp Derek Carr on the Raiders depth chart.

With a myriad of weapons at his disposal and head coach Kevin Stefanski preferring to win games offensively with a punishing ground game, this plays well into Mariota’s skill set. Though his decision-making under center is questionable, as well as his soft-spoken nature, maybe the Browns want a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who will do what he is told and that is it?

Though Dalton, Mariota and Winston are all interesting options to consider in free agency, if the Browns want to replace Mayfield most effectively in 2022, it has to be through the NFL Draft.