Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns were one of the best stories of the NFL in 2020, making the playoffs and winning a playoff game for the first time since the 1994 season. Unfortunately, the 2021 season turned into something of a train wreck.

Mayfield didn't get a long-term extension and then struggled badly through an injury-plagued campaign, ultimately resulting in the Browns missing the playoffs. This has resulted in plenty of questions about the quarterback's status as the future of the franchise.

For now, though, Cleveland is heading into the 2022 offseason with plans to keep Mayfield as the starting quarterback, per NFL Media's Ian Rapaport and Tom Pelissero.

*Watch the NFL LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Browns News
Tommy Rees speaks to reporters during his introductory news conference as Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator.
New Browns OC makes declaration on heated QB competitionJaren Kawada ¡
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws during NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Shedeur Sanders doesn’t get any 1st-team reps at OTAsMike Gianakos ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
NFL rumors: Falcons insider picks Browns Kirk Cousins trade idea over SteelersZachary Weinberger ¡
Featured image Deion Sanders Shedeur Sanders
Deion Sanders ‘hurt’ by negative Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ draft perceptionDylan Fine ·
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski (center), Browns lineman Zak Zinter (left) and Pittsburgh safety Donovan McMillon (right)
3 Cleveland Browns hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ¡
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Former Browns first-round OL makes big decision on 2025 campaignDouglas Fritz ¡

It's not a huge surprise that this is what the Browns are putting out there right now, but it doesn't necessarily mean they'll stick to this plan. Cleveland will surely survey the quarterback scene and determine if there's a better option to go forward with than Mayfield. But if not, the franchise will stick with him for another season and see if he can get healthy and back on track.

There was some drama with Mayfield this week, with the quarterback blasting Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot for reporting on supposed tension between the quarterback and head coach Kevin Stefanski. This NFL Media report acknowledges some of those issues, but claims Mayfield and Stefanski “are on the same page” and any differences can be worked out.

The Mayfield situation will be one of the major storylines to watch in this upcoming offseason as he enters the final season of his rookie deal. For now, the Browns are 7-9 and will finish up their disappointing 2021 campaign against the Cincinnati Bengals.