The Cleveland Browns will have a critical decision to make this offseason regarding the future at the quarterback position. Current starter Baker Mayfield is set to miss the rest of the season and undergo shoulder surgery, which should have him on track for the start of the 2022 season. However, based on Mayfield's struggles in 2021, albeit he was battling a plethora of injuries, the Browns may no longer be certain that he's their long-term option under center. The quarterback is set to make $18.858 million from the Browns in 2022, all of which is fully guaranteed money. per Field Yates. Thus, the Browns will have to make a crucial decision on what to do with No. 6.

Mayfield is owed the fully guaranteed $18,585,000 for the 2022 season, but he'd become an unrestricted free agent in 2023. It's unclear if the Browns have the patience to endure one more year of shoddy quarterback play from Mayfield, who hasn't taken many strides since his rookie season.

One option Cleveland may look to explore is a potential trade to move on from Mayfield. In doing so, they could offload his hefty contract while also getting a headstart on finding their next quarterback of the future. It's unclear what teams would be interested in Mayfield, though the 26-year-old could present an intriguing rental option for teams also looking for a new face at quarterback.

In 2021, a banged-up Mayfield threw for 17 touchdown passes, 13 interceptions, and narrowly eclipsed the 3,000 passing yard threshold. Those aren't the numbers fans want to see out of a former No. 1 overall pick, so it isn't without reason for the Browns to explore cutting this experiment short, especially if they can find a team willing to absorb his contract.