Replacing Baker Mayfield: Poll

[Vee-Rex]

Russ.

Aaron Rodgers is 43. Watson is of questionable character. Baker is exposed.

FRT if I thought Rodgers had 3-4 good years left in him this is a no-brainer. Feels like if the trade could happen, it would go bad somehow.

Yeah I fully expect Rodgers, HOF-caliber and elite that he is, to fall apart the minute he puts on a Browns uniform. If it's not a harsh downward regression, it'll be injury.

Edit: I honestly feel that way about anyone we acquire. Russ ain't a spring chicken himself.

 

[DatDudeZ3]

I’ve seen murmurs of Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers next season..

 

[Vee-Rex]

I think the reality is that we're likely rolling with Baker. Some of you might have a very difficult time dealing with that and want to acquire the Tyrod Taylors, Cam Newtons, and Ryan Fitzpatricks of the world. But I applaud the FO if, in the event we can't get a clear upgrade, we stick with Baker. Improve the team and let him get healthy to show us what type of player he truly is.

 

[Surge]

I think the reality is that we're likely rolling with Baker. Some of you might have a very difficult time dealing with that and want to acquire the Tyrod Taylors, Cam Newtons, and Ryan Fitzpatricks of the world. But I applaud the FO if, in the event we can't get a clear upgrade, we stick with Baker. Improve the team and let him get healthy to show us what type of player he truly is.

That is by far the most likely scenario, imo.

 

[Real Deal]

Been saying Denver all the way.

There's always Taylor Heinike so don't worry.

 

[Smooth]

I think the problem right now is the guaranteed money the Browns have invested in Baker next year, along with the options that are better than Baker (Watson, Rodgers, Russ) are highly unlikely and the other options out there are pushes at best (Fitzpatrick, Tyrod Taylor, Dalton, Cam, Foles, Jameis, Bridgewater, etc)... So there's not exactly a clear or simple path to upgrade..

Derek Carr is a guy I'd watch depending on what happens there... Will also be interesting to see if the Vikings blow it up with Cousins and if Stefanski would be interested in reuniting...

Realistically, I think a pursuit for Jimmy G makes sense (as long as price is right)..

What I think ends up happening is the Browns stay with Baker, can Keenum for cap savings and make way for someone to push Baker while protecting them such as Mariota...

 

[CBBI]

What I think ends up happening is the Browns stay with Baker, can Keenum for cap savings and make way for someone to push Baker while protecting them such as Mariota...

Just my two cents, but I don’t think Baker has the personality to maturely handle someone - veteran or rookie - being brought in to “push” him.

I could see it being a major issue if he feels like he has to be constantly looking over his shoulder.

 

[adam81king]

Just my two cents, but I don’t think Baker has the personality to maturely handle someone - veteran or rookie - being brought in to “push” him.

I could see it being a major issue if he feels like he has to be constantly looking over his shoulder.

I *fully* agree with everything you said, but doesn't that go against his perceived "me against the world" or "chip on my shoulder" suggested personality? I absolutely see him getting passive-aggressive and moody, if that happens. Maybe his perceived persona isn't real, though?

 

[Smooth]

Just my two cents, but I don’t think Baker has the personality to maturely handle someone - veteran or rookie - being brought in to “push” him.
I could see it being a major issue if he feels like he has to be constantly looking over his shoulder.

I agree, but with one season left on deal and it being a make or break year can the Browns afford to take that chance? Does bristling his feelings not worth upgrading QB position in case his poor play continues and jeopardizes 2022 season?

I’ve said it previously but think this is where Berry earns his $$$ by navigating tenuous situations like these… In this case, it’s about communicating expectations and future plans.. I think you tell Baker: Look we’re bringing you back because we believe in you and if you play well, we’ll look into extending you… But we also have to do what we have to do to protect our team and need to invest into making every position better since the season was not what we wanted it…

I would hope he takes it as @adam81king noted but we’ve seen him get sensitive about things before…

In the specific case of Mariota, we’ve seen him be put in a similar situation with Carr this year and even with Tannehill in years before and I haven’t necessarily heard anything in either case to say he handled it poorly… So I think who you also bring in is key..

I would also raise the question: if team doesn’t make playoffs, how does rest of team view team keeping QB status quo? I mean we’ve seen OBJ and Hunt dad express their views and I’d be surprised if they were in minority on that..

 

[col63onel]

Just my two cents, but I don’t think Baker has the personality to maturely handle someone - veteran or rookie - being brought in to “push” him.

I could see it being a major issue if he feels like he has to be constantly looking over his shoulder.

I kinda feel the opposite. He does his best when there’s a chip on his shoulder.

 

[Alec]

He has to go.

 

[buzzdog]

I don't see a likely path to move away from Mayfield next season. I would replace Keenum but not with a retread. Instead find somebody young and with some upside who has some experience and basic competence. Maybe someone who hasn't gotten a great opportunity, or who has fallen short. Maybe someone who can be more of a running threat.

IDK who fits that profile but I'm sure there are some guys out there.

 

[buzzdog]

He has to go.

No, he doesn't. I could get behind it for a clear upgrade but I'm pretty sure that isn't going to be out there.

 

[Alec]

No, he doesn't. I could get behind it for a clear upgrade but I'm pretty sure that isn't going to be out there.

They have to upgrade.

 

[CBBI]

I agree, but with one season left on deal and it being a make or break year can the Browns afford to take that chance? Does bristling his feelings not worth upgrading QB position in case his poor play continues and jeopardizes 2022 season?

I’ve said it previously but think this is where Berry earns his $$$ by navigating tenuous situations like these… In this case, it’s about communicating expectations and future plans.. I think you tell Baker: Look we’re bringing you back because we believe in you and if you play well, we’ll look into extending you… But we also have to do what we have to do to protect our team and need to invest into making every position better since the season was not what we wanted it…

I would hope he takes it as @adam81king noted but we’ve seen him get sensitive about things before…

In the specific case of Mariota, we’ve seen him be put in a similar situation with Carr this year and even with Tannehill in years before and I haven’t necessarily heard anything in either case to say he handled it poorly… So I think who you also bring in is key..

I would also raise the question: if team doesn’t make playoffs, how does rest of team view team keeping QB status quo? I mean we’ve seen OBJ and Hunt dad express their views and I’d be surprised if they were in minority on that..

I think you could argue that the Browns run the risk of jeopardizing the 2022 season even more by bringing Baker back with actual "competition" in place and all the potential pitfalls that could come with that.

I think there are only two realistic options when it comes to Baker.

1. Bring back Baker as the no questions asked starting QB with someone who is no real threat to his job as his backup - be it Keenum, Mullens, some other equally feckless veteran or a late round QB.

2. Get rid of Baker.

I don't think a highly drafted rookie or a veteran QB with any ability to challenge his job is going to make sense.