NFL Quarterback Power Rankings 2020: Patrick Mahomes is head of the class

The former Heisman winner gave Browns fans hope late during the 2018 regular season. After starting the season on the bench, Baker Mayfield took over Cleveland’s offense and brought a confident swagger to game days. As a starter, he went 6-7 and led the Browns to a surprising 7-8-1 record.

Mayfield led the Browns to more wins than analysts expected the team could reach. With an undermanned team, the Oklahoma product flashed star potential. He completed 63.8% of his pass attempts for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns,and 14 interceptions.

Between Mayfield’s rookie and second season, the Browns added more offensive weapons, including Odell Beckham and Kareem Hunt. However, Mayfield and Cleveland failed to meet expectations. The team finished the 2019 regular season with a 6-10 record and fired head coach Freddie Kitchens.

During the disappointing season, Mayfield completed less than 60.0 percent of his pass attempts. He also threw 21 interceptions and only 22 touchdowns. The AFC North could be even more difficult this season, considering Baltimore added more pieces to their defense, Cincinnati drafted their quarterback of the future and Pittsburgh got Ben Roethlisberger back.

Now, Mayfield enters his third NFL season already on his fourth head coach, if you count Gregg Williams’ stint as interim head coach. The Browns recently beefed up their offense again, adding Harrison Bryant, Jack Conklin, Austin Hooper and Jedrick Wills during the offseason.

If Mayfield can’t put together a winning season with his current supporting cast, the Browns should decline his fifth-year option.