On Monday, Browns HC Hue Jackson officially announced that they’re turning to Baker Mayfield as the team’s starting quarterback, as had previously been reported.
“I informed the group this morning that we’re going to start Baker Mayfield and Tyrod will be the backup if healthy,” Jackson said, per Tom Pelissero. “Baker understands there’s still a lot of work to do. … Now the other added pressure of being out there first is there. But I think he can handle it. He’s demonstrated that.”
When asked if Mayfield is the starter for this week or for the season, Jackson said: “He’s the starting quarterback of this football team.”
This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as Mayfield led the Browns to a come-from-behind win over the Jets and looked really impressive in relief of Tyrod Taylor, who suffered a concussion.
Taylor is expected to clear the concussion protocol next week, but he’ll operate as the team’s No. 2 quarterback moving forward.
Mayfield, 23, was taken with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft by the Browns. Mayfield signed a four-year, $32,816,604 contract that includes a $21,946,620 signing bonus.
In 2018, Mayfield has appeared in one game for the Browns and completed 73.9 percent of his passes for 201 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions.
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