CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Baker Mayfield left Heinz Field Monday night like so many Browns quarterbacks that came before him have – battered, bruised, defeated and his future very much in limbo.
After being sacked nine times – four of them by Steelers outside linebacker and Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt – Mayfield was spent following the 26-14 loss to the Steelers.
Understandably he’s considering sitting out the season finale against the Bengals.
“It’ll be a discussion I have with my agent and my family,” Mayfield told reporters after the game. “I don’t have that answer for you right now.”
Mayfield has played through pain after suffering a torn left labrum since the second quarter of a Week 2 win over the Texans. In Week 6 he exacerbated the injury forcing him to miss a Thursday night win over the Broncos four days later.
“I am going to have surgery,” Mayfield said. “I am going to get this shoulder fixed and be able to come back next year at 100 percent. That’s been decided. Now when that’s happening, that has not been decided. So I don’t have that answer for you whether I play next week.”
He’s played through knee and foot injuries as well but with the playoffs no longer a possibility, it’s hard to justify him playing next week.
“I’m an extremely competitive guy, I think you guys know that,” Mayfield said. “But now it’s time for me to start looking at what’s in the best interest for me and my health. I’ve continued to lay it out on the line, and I haven’t been healthy and tried to fight for our guys.
“Right now I’m pretty damn beat up, to be honest with you. There’s no way around it. I gave it everything I had tonight.”
COVID forced Mayfield and backup QB Case Keenum to sit out a 16-14 loss to the Raiders on December 20. He flew into Green Bay on Christmas morning only to throw four interceptions in a 24-22 loss after not practicing for two weeks.
Mayfield’s play has suffered this season because of the injuries.
Monday night he threw 10 consecutive incompletions and started 4-15 for 58 yards and an interception in the first half before bouncing back in the second half to complete 12 of his last 23 passes for 127 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception.
Next season will be the final year on his rookie contract and the Browns have a decision to make over the next few months if he will be playing it in Cleveland.
