Update on Baker Mayfield's future with Cleveland Browns

There has been a lot of discussion about the future of quarterback Baker Mayfield with the Cleveland Browns. But with the regular-season finale here, NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero have reported Mayfield is expected to return to the Browns next season.

Mayfield, who is set to undergo shoulder surgery soon, struggled this season as he battled through multiple injuries. But he is expected to remain in Cleveland, at least for another season.

“Plenty of scenarios have been rumored, including Mayfield wanting to move on and the Browns wanting to move on. Barring a dramatic shift, it doesn’t appear either development is on the horizon,” Rapoport and Pelissero’s report said.

“Mayfield and Browns coach Kevin Stefanski spoke Friday as part of normal exit meetings, and sources say the two are on the same page. The No. 1 overall pick in 2018, Mayfield is entering the final year of his rookie contract — a fully guaranteed $18.858 million fifth-year option — and the expectation as of now is he’ll play it out in Cleveland.”

Mayfield struggled at the end of the season for the Browns

After a productive career at Oklahoma that saw him finish top four in Heisman voting in three consecutive seasons, Mayfield was drafted first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Browns. He was able to lead Cleveland to the playoffs last year, even winning in the wildcard round. But this season was a different story.

In his 60 career games through four years with the Browns, Mayfield has thrown for over 14,000 yards with 97 total touchdowns and 56 interceptions. Many experts speculated on Cleveland moving on from Mayfield in the offseason, especially after he threw seven interceptions over his last three games.

With a surgically repaired non-throwing shoulder and an offseason to heal, Mayfield is hoping that he can improve his play next season. If he doesn’t, we could be having the same conversation about his future this time next season.