Browns GM Weighs in on Baker Mayfield's Future as Starting QB

The 2021 NFL season certainly didn't go as the Cleveland Browns had planned. After playing in last year's Divisional Round of the playoffs, the Browns failed to qualify for the postseason thanks to an 8-9 record.

With changes likely coming over the offseason, some are wondering what Baker Mayfield's future looks like as the starting quarterback. Even though he was plagued by injuries throughout the year, he hasn't exactly been the franchise QB Cleveland thought he'd be when they selected him at No. 1 in 2018.

Nevertheless, Browns general manager Andrew Berry recently addressed Mayfield's 2022 status.

Despite the disappointing campaign, Berry said that the Browns "fully expect Baker to be our starter" for the 2022 NFL season. He also added that he's confident that his quarterback can bounce back.

The Browns did pick up the fifth-year option on Mayfield's contract, so he was expected to be back in Cleveland for the 2022 campaign barring any unforeseen circumstances. He will also carry an $18.9 million cap hit for the season.

As mentioned earlier, a lot of Mayfield's struggles this season came from the fact that he was playing injured more often than not. He battled with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder all year, leaving many to wonder why Cleveland didn't shut him down earlier.

Mayfield finished the season with 3,010 passing yards and 17 touchdowns to 13 interceptions in 14 starts, so it's evident that his injuries were bothering him. Thankfully, he's had surgery and will have plenty of time to rest this offseason.

Only time will tell if a healthy Mayfield can help get the Browns' ship back on course in 2022.

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Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.