Quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns remain in a holding pattern with his contract extension.
So far, each side has been comfortable with that approach.
The Browns have yet to extend an offer to the No. 1 pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, according to sources. But while all is currently quiet, neither side has ruled out the idea of opening negotiations during the season. The relationship between Mayfield and the Browns remains positive, according to the sources.
From the Browns’ perspective, they want to see Mayfield produce over a longer stretch of time in second-year head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system. They believed Mayfield was much better over the second half of last season, particularly with 15 passing touchdowns and just two interceptions over the final eight games, including a playoff victory against the Steelers. By comparison, Mayfield had 15 touchdowns and seven picks in the first seven games in 2020.
Mayfield is under contract through his fifth-year option in 2022 for $18.858 million. And of course, the Browns could use the franchise tag in 2023 if necessary, so they’ve got time on their side and hold the leverage of remaining in control of the year-to-year terms.
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As for Mayfield, he has never had an issue with betting on his own performance. If he continues his upward trajectory, his value will follow, especially as the salary cap increases in the coming years.
Mayfield’s leverage would be the going rate for a franchise quarterback.
