Browns GM Andrew Berry: We 'fully expect' Baker Mayfield to be our starting QB in 2022
The message Browns general manager Andrew Berry delivered Tuesday about Baker Mayfield was consistent and straightforward — the franchise plans to give the quarterback a chance to redeem himself as its starter in 2022 despite him struggling mightily during an injury-riddled 2021 season.
"We fully expect Baker to be our starter and bounce back," Berry said via Zoom on the heels of the Browns wrapping up their disappointing season with a record of 8-9.
Mayfield suffered a completely torn labrum in his left, non-throwing shoulder in Week 2 and played hurt for virtually the entire season. He sat out Sunday's 21-16 win over the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland's season finale at FirstEnergy Stadium, and he's scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery on Jan. 19 in Los Angeles.
Why do the Browns believe Mayfield will rebound? Berry pointed to Mayfield's best production coming in the 2020 season under coach Kevin Stefanski, who was in his first year on the job.
"We've been with Baker for a long period of time at this point," Berry said. "We know his work ethic. We know his drive. We've seen him as a talented passer in this league, and we're looking forward to him getting healthy and continuing to make improvements. We expect him to bounce back next year."
Mayfield's rehabilitation from shoulder surgery is expected to take four to six months. Fox sideline reporter Lindsay Czarniak said during Sunday's telecast Mayfield told her he'll wear a sling for about six weeks after his surgery and hopes to be able to return to work by late April.
"We're looking forward to Baker obviously getting healthy in the offseason and then putting good work into the spring with his coaches for having the type of season we know he can have moving forward,” Berry said.
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Cleveland Browns' plans could change depending on the quarterback market
Berry's vote of confidence doesn't guarantee Mayfield will be the starter next season. Plans can change. The organization could acquire an upgrade or competition this offseason at the sport's most important position, but sticking with Mayfield for another season appears to be the likeliest outcome. He is under contract through next season because, in April, Berry exercised the fifth-year option on Mayfield's rookie deal for $18.858 million guaranteed.
The Browns and Mayfield entered the 2021 season hoping to reach a contract extension, but everything went sideways and meaningful talks never materialized.
When Berry was asked whether it's his job to explore the quarterback market for an upgrade, he said, "My job is to assemble the best team possible and make sure that we’re in the position to compete consistently for the division, to be in the playoffs and ultimately win a championship. That’s something that we’ll strive to do every year."
Do the Browns feel the need to acquire another quarterback to push Mayfield?
"The way we go about adding competition or improving the talent base in the roster is largely, maybe not wholly, but largely independent of who's currently on the team," Berry said.
The relationship between Mayfield and Stefanski has been a hot topic lately because the quarterback publicly criticized the coach's play calling twice in the last month.
Mayfield, 26, had his season exit meeting with Stefanski this past Friday, and Stefanski said after Sunday's game Mayfield had left their gathering on a good note. Furthermore, a person familiar with the situation said Mayfield and Stefanski were on the same page during their discussion about moving ahead together and working out any issues that exist.
"I don't have any concerns in terms of relationship or anything along those lines," Berry said. "I think it's pretty natural to have discussions around scheme as you go into any offseason. Those discussions have happened and will continue to happen with the appropriate parties."
Whether all of Mayfield's teammates still support him is a legitimate question, but Berry vouched for his leadership qualities.
“He's team oriented. He's a competitor. He's super tough," Berry said. "He truly wants what's best for the team and really to take the steps that he needs to improve to become the quarterback that we know that he can become. Guys who are self-motivated, they're team-oriented and they're tough. You certainly like that profile across any position.”