For as disappointing of a season as the Cleveland Browns had in 2021, Myles Garrett put together his second consecutive All-Pro season, recording 16 sacks. There's no doubt about the former No. 1 overall pick's future in Cleveland.
However, the future of Baker Mayfield -- another former top overall selection -- is very much in flux after a disappointing fourth season.
Garrett, though, says he remains behind Mayfield.
"I mean, he's my quarterback. He's my guy. He stuck by us, I'mma stick by him," Garrett told TMZ Sports.
So Garrett still believes in Mayfield?
"I believe in the Browns."
Mayfield became eligible for a new contract after the 2020 season, when he guided the Browns to 11 regular season wins and a postseason victory over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Instead of giving Mayfield a long-term deal after his third season -- as Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen all got from their respective teams when eligible -- the Browns elected to wait another season. The result was a year of speculation about Mayfield's future, as he battled injuries and turned the ball over in his second year under Kevin Stefanski.
Unless Andrew Berry makes a trade for a star veteran like Deshaun Watson, Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, Mayfield will seemingly return as the starter in Cleveland on his fifth-year option in 2022. Perhaps with no long-term security, Mayfield will play so well that it leaves the Browns with no choice but to extend him. But if Mayfield struggles with his back against the wall, it could create a pretty ugly situation in Cleveland.
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