Replacing Baker Mayfield: Poll

[buzzdog]

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.

I disagree. I don't think you have Mayfield figured out as well as you think you do.

 

[CBBI]

I disagree. I don't think you have Mayfield figured out as well as you think you do.

We’ll see.

And look I’m obviously not his biggest fan, but I totally understand there are many scenarios where Mayfield is the starting QB for the Browns in 2022.

And if those scenarios play out and Baker is the starter in 2022, then he’s gotta be the no questions asked starter. No competition.

I’m not making a four-year starter compete/constantly look over his shoulder/potentially blow up the locker room for some veteran free agent who is on his third team or some second or third round rookie. It’s a recipe for disaster.

If the Browns want to bring in “competition” then they might as well go ahead and cut the cord and replace the guy outright.

 

[Malacogary]

The Competitive Veteran model has a recent exemplar in the Foles-Trubisky shit-show in Chicago. It's a waste of resources and energy.

 

[The Oi]

The Browns have done it 400 times.

It works.

 

[adam81king]

I'm sure I'll be flamed for this, but one of my biggest reasons for thinking they need to move off of Baker is the roster 2-53. Their body language, words and actions seem like he's lost them. Yes, they all say he's tough and "our guy," but it all comes off as respecting the position (QB1) rather than the player or person (Baker). Maybe it's the frustrating season, and not Baker. Maybe it's the coaches and not Baker. Maybe it's the franchise, and not Baker. But these guys don't seem to really *care* about him anymore. The sideline talk seems to get eyerolls, the interviews get "coachspeak," the tough times seem to get no supportive responses, and the good times (when they happen) don't seem to have him sought out to join. These weren't things that happened last year...or over the summer...or coming into this year. I really think Baker lost his juice. #FlameAway

 

[AZ_]

Look, I know most people are pissed with Baker.

Rightfully so.




Upgrades are hard to find. If you can’t find one, you stick with Baker.

Let’s not over-complicate this. A healthy Mayfield is a Top 15 QB (okay…20), and NOT having to invest in the QB position allows them to:

1. Draft a second or third round QB to develop.

2. Re-tool the weapons set at WR and get them into an established offensive system.

If they thread the needle on an Aaron Rodgers or similar, clear upgrade, great.

If not, this is a viable alternative.

 

[ShawnKempIsMyDad]

Wondering if Cam Newton is an option. He wouldn't be great, but could be someone to bring in looking for a resurgence to push Mayfield. The problem is that I could see him starting for another team instead of competing for a starting job here.

Even suggesting this idea is depressing. Hopefully Mayfield can get it together.

 

[Malacogary]

Cam Newton should not really be in the conversation for starting QB spots in the NFL anymore.

 

[Malacogary]

This is a down year for QB play across the league. Statistically the best season has been that of Kyler Murray, who's missed four games.

 

[Vee-Rex]

I'm sure I'll be flamed for this, but one of my biggest reasons for thinking they need to move off of Baker is the roster 2-53. Their body language, words and actions seem like he's lost them. Yes, they all say he's tough and "our guy," but it all comes off as respecting the position (QB1) rather than the player or person (Baker). Maybe it's the frustrating season, and not Baker. Maybe it's the coaches and not Baker. Maybe it's the franchise, and not Baker. But these guys don't seem to really *care* about him anymore. The sideline talk seems to get eyerolls, the interviews get "coachspeak," the tough times seem to get no supportive responses, and the good times (when they happen) don't seem to have him sought out to join. These weren't things that happened last year...or over the summer...or coming into this year. I really think Baker lost his juice. #FlameAway

Eh, it'll generally end up that way with an underperforming QB. We're 6-6 at the bottom of the division with several games we should have won. Dudes aren't exactly happy with where we are. I think if we started winning again with Baker in 2022 then all of that stuff wouldn't matter.

Bring in almost any QB and it'll feel the same when expectations aren't being met.

 

[CBBI]

Upgrades are hard to find. If you can’t find one, you stick with Baker.

Let’s not over-complicate this. A healthy Mayfield is a Top 15 QB (okay…20), and NOT having to invest in the QB position allows them to:

1. Draft a second or third round QB to develop.

2. Re-tool the weapons set at WR and get them into an established offensive system.

If they thread the needle on an Aaron Rodgers or similar, clear upgrade, great.

If not, this is a viable alternative.

Drafting a QB in the top 50 picks and not starting him immediately is a recipe for disaster IMO. The fans, the players and specifically Baker knows that a team isn't drafting a guy that early without the expectation that he becomes the starter eventually (if not immediately).

Baker will get booed off the field with every incompletion if the fans think there's a better option on the bench (and I'm not saying a 2nd round rookie would be a better option, but the perception would absolutely be "this guy can't be worse!" if Baker struggled). Hell, the fans are already restless this year and friggin completely washed Keenum is the guy who would be replacing Baker.

And this shift would happen immediately, like drive 1 of week 1. Mayfield would have to play great from the jump or the fans would absolutely turn on him and things would blow up IMO.

We just saw this play out with Eagles and Wentz. They drafted Hurts and the fans were immediately clamoring for him as Wentz played progressively more and more like crap. The Eagles had a horrible season and ended up firing their coach over it too.

If Baker is the best option for the Browns at QB for 2022, then there needs to be no competition. Put the full support of the organization behind him and roll the dice that his injuries are the reason he's struggled this year. If he stays healthy and he still fails, then you just move on after next season.

 

[Triplethreat]

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.

What pitfalls?

Awful take.

 

[ShawnKempIsMyDad]

Cam Newton should not really be in the conversation for starting QB spots in the NFL anymore.

You are probably right. Unfortunately, this is where we are at.

 

[CBBI]

What pitfalls?

Awful take.

If you really think Baker Mayfield would be a 100% good soldier and play his absolute best football if the Browns showed a public lack of faith in him as their no questions asked starting franchise QB by adding his potential/probable successor to the organization, then you're much more naive than you routinely act.

It won't work.

 

[Los216]

All of this posturing for a mediocre QB is sending me. Personally I think Baker has already lost the locker room. If he doesn't absolutely ball out these last 5 games you cannot bring him back.