The Cleveland Browns announced that quarterback Baker Mayfield will start the preseason finale versus the Detroit Lions on Thursday. Needless to say, Mayfield could not be more excited about the opportunity to make his first start.

Mayfield has played well coming off the bench. However, according to Matthew Florjancic of WKYC, he is looking forward to proving himself right out the gate:

“I’m very ready,” Mayfield said following Tuesday’s practice at team headquarters in Berea.

“It’s another opportunity for me. I’ve been saying it over and over again. I need to take advantage of my opportunities, and this is a great one to come out and show what I can do from the get-go, set the tone not just for the offense, but for the whole team just kind of mindset-wise and just executing.”

Article Continues Below
Related News
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) walks off the field after win against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kenny Pickett makes promise about Super Bowl stint with EaglesBen Strauss ·
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski breaks silence on Myles Garrett, players’ OTAs absenceRichard Pereira ·
Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Kenny Pickett, left, Dillon Gabriel, center, and Joe Flacco warm up during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Browns’ Joe Flacco blasts mentor narrative with brutal takedownMatty Breisch ·
Browns news: Insider predicts QB trade during training camp
Insider predicts Browns QB trade during training campChris Spiering ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Shedeur Sanders shines in Browns’ camp QB shootoutBenedetto Vitale ·
browns, shedeur sanders
1 Cleveland Browns rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampGarrett Kerman ·

The decision to start Mayfield should come as no surprise. Teams very seldom play all of their starters in the preseason finale. The fact that he is destined to start at some point in the near future is just an added incentive for the Browns.

Mayfield has shown plenty of promise in the preseason thus far. He has completed 26-of-45 passes for 363 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while tacking on 32 rushing yards through the first three games. His ability to gash the defense with his arm or legs has shown why he was taken with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Regardless of how well he plays, there is no question that quarterback Tyrod Taylor will be the starter going into the regular season. That means this could be Mayfield's last chance to get on the field for quite some time.