Quarterback Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns is having a season to forget with disastrous stats. His future is unclear, even though the Browns have little room to manoeuvre.

Pittsburgh/Munich – For quarterback Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns, the season could already be over with the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Because the Browns have nothing to do with the playoffs anymore, Mayfield could sit out the meaningless last game against the Cincinnati Bengals, especially because he has been bothered by a shoulder injury on his left side since week two of the current season.

“I’m a competitive guy. But now it’s time to look after myself and my health,” Mayfield said after the 16-24 loss to the Steelers. He said he will decide with his family and adviser whether he will play in the final game of the season. He will then have surgery on his damaged shoulder during the summer break.

It is the “crowning” conclusion of a messed-up season for the signal caller. The 26-year-old had another night to forget at the Steelers. The Steelers defence pushed him into the turf at Heinz Field nine times.

In the first half, Mayfield failed to complete a pass in ten consecutive attempts – a streak last seen in 2019, according to ESPN.

Mayfield talks about his physical state: “At the end “

One possible reason: In addition to the painful shoulder injury, Mayfield has also been plagued with a foot and knee injury this season. Mayfield said of his condition after the game, “Right now I’m pretty down, to be honest. There’s no getting away from it. I gave everything I had left in terms of energy today.”

Mayfield’s future, much like his stint against the Bengals, is still open. The 26-year-old is still playing with the fifth-year option on his rookie contract with the Browns next year, but there are growing doubts about a long-term deal with the Ohio team.

Mayfield ranked just 25th in quarterback rating this season, even posting the worst fourth-quarter numbers of any starter in the league. Star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. fled Cleveland mid-season, probably in part because of Mayfield’s performance.

The Browns’ signal caller is due $18.86 million next year, but whether Mayfield will receive it as a starter seems more questionable than ever given his performance. Mayfield has been playing poker for a lavish contract extension in recent weeks and Montante – for now, to no avail.

What’s next for Baker Mayfield?

Time could play into his hands, though, because Cleveland doesn’t have enough draft assets to bring in a proven top quarterback. At the same time, Mayfield could also call for a trade when a new starter arrives and find his old strength again with another team.

After all, he was among the league’s top ten quarterbacks last season without injury. Without injuries, Mayfield can be expected to return to that form – but whether he will do so with the Browns is more than doubtful.

Mayfield’s NFL future is currently completely open.