It was a drama-filled year for the Cleveland Browns. Coming into the season, they were considered to be Super Bowl favorites by many. However, coming out of the 2021 season they spiraled down the stretch. The biggest problem was the inconsistent play of the offense and injuries to their QB, Baker Mayfield. He had 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions this season. Additionally, their receivers are having issues causing separation. While OBJ left and his groove back in LA, the Browns missed the playoffs.
It feels as if the injuries to Mayfield, drama from former WR Odell Beckham Jr., and the questionable coaching decisions will be too much to overcome. Mayfield is going into his fifth year and the Browns have a critical decision to make. They could choose to exercise his fifth-year option and give him another shot at a big contract. For Mayfield, it seems evident that his QB play is serviceable. He just needs all the pieces of the puzzle to complete the picture! As the Browns internally debate what to do with Mayfield, here are other options I think they can make.
1. Trade for 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo:
San Francisco has to trade Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, with a $25 million salary cap savings at stake. The one issue in this scenario is that Garoppolo has a long list of injures. Rookie QB Trey Lance is waiting in the wings to become the full-time starter in San Francisco as well. It’s just a matter of time before they have to make a move. When healthy, Jimmy G plays at a high level. The QB has won close to 60% of his games and already led a team to the Super Bowl. At 30 years old, the signal-caller is still young enough to play for the next decade. He is a free agent in 2023, and perhaps he is open to restructuring his final year. After a mostly healthy season Jimmy G has guided the 49ers back the NFC Championship game.
2. Trade for Seahawks QB Russell Wilson:
After an offseason filled with trade requests and trade rumors, the sure-fire Hall of Famer may be close to the end of an era. The Legion of Boom is no more, Beast Mode is no longer running the rock, and HC Pete Carroll’s approach seems to be falling on deaf ears. Even Seahawks owner, Jody Allen spoke about the teams issues, which could indicate that things might be very different in Seattle. The seven-time Pro Bowler is willing to waive his no-trade clause. The 33-year-old has completed 67.2% of his passes for 2,042 yards, 14 touchdowns, and four interceptions in nine games. Cleveland has to sell Wilson on life behind a top-rated offensive line and strong run game, much like he had at the start of his career.
3. Trade for Bills QB Mitchell Trubisky:
The QB has a 64-37 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a passer rating of 87.2. He’s also a running threat, amassing 1,084 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. For all the ill will thrown his way in Chicago, Trubisky was 29-21 as a starter, went to the Pro Bowl, and also made the playoffs back when it was a six-team format! He is a similar player when compared to Baker and would come at a lower price, and he is currently the backup in Buffalo behind QB Josh Allen. The Browns, who might need to continue their franchise QB search, could look towards bringing Trubisky over.
Wild Card
Teddy Bridgewater
Jameis Winston
