Paul Finebaum blasts Baker Mayfield, compares him to Johnny Manziel

A unique feud has begun between Paul Finebaum and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. Finebaum recalls Mayfield going after him on Twitter while the now NFL quarterback was at Oklahoma. When talking about the Browns quarterback, Finebaum is brutally honest in saying that Cleveland should move on.

Finebaum also had an interesting and bold comparison for Mayfield, comparing him to one of the biggest busts in recent NFL history.

“He came after me on Twitter. I thought he was a punk then and nothing has changed. He is a poor man’s Johnny Manziel,” Finebaum said on ESPN on Friday.

Manziel had an electric collegiate career at Texas A&M, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2012. He threw for 7,820 yards, 63 touchdowns and 22 interceptions in two years with the Aggies. But Manziel wasn’t able to live up to the hype after being selected by the Browns with the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Manziel played in 14 career NFL games, throwing 1,675 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Mayfield finished top four in Heisman voting in each season from 2015-2017, winning in 2017. He threw for more than 12,000 yards with 119 touchdowns at Oklahoma. Like Manziel, the Browns spent a first round pick on Mayfield, selecting him first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Finebaum: The Browns ‘are wasting their time’ with Mayfield

Mayfield has played in 60 games through four years with the Browns. He has thrown for 14,125 yards with 97 total touchdowns and 56 interceptions. In his second season with the Browns, Mayfield threw 21 interceptions. But last season, Mayfield turned things around, throwing just eight interceptions compared to 26 touchdowns. He also had a huge performance after returning the Browns to the playoffs, leading Cleveland to a 48-37 victory over the Steelers.

But Mayfield’s NFL career has been filled with inconsistency. In addition to throwing 56 interceptions, he also has 26 fumbles, although only two of them were lost. The Browns took a step back this season as Mayfield battled through shoulder injuries throughout the year. With the Browns needed to make a decision on Mayfield sometime soon, Finebaum believes that the decision is clear and an easy one.

“I think Cleveland ought to get rid of him,” Finebaum said of Mayfield. “I don’t know if it’s possible, but I think the Browns are wasting their time with this guy.”

The Browns are currently 7-9 and eliminated from AFC playoff contention. Cleveland hosts the AFC North winning Cincinnati Bengals in the regular season finale on Sunday, and Mayfield will be out for the game. He is also set to undergo shoulder surgery in the offseason.