It’s ironic to think about Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield after writing about what happened with Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons not playing Game 4 of his playoff series. Simmons missed an entire season because of back pain and mental health issues. New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson remains out of his playoff series. Both Simmons and Williamson have been criticized for not returning to rescue their teams from elimination.
Mayfield took the opposite path. He was playing injured throughout the 2021 NFL season. The two most likely reasons for that was to serve as a good teammate and to earn a huge contract.
Playing through injuries may have cost Mayfield tens of millions.
What Injuries Did Baker Mayfield Play Through?
In Week 2, Mayfield suffered his most significant injury when he tore the labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. This is an injury that requires surgery and a recovery process of four to six months. In Week 6, he fractured his humerus bone. His shoulder popped out of socket. This forced him out of Week 7. Add to that list a knee contusion that caused his leg to go numb, groin and heel injuries.
It was no surprise to see Mayfield regress. After a 2020 season where he led the Browns to their first playoff win in 26 years, they missed the 2021 playoffs with an 8-9 record. In 14 starts, Mayfield had a 6-8 record. His touchdown-to-interception ratio declined from 26-8 to 17-13. His quarterback rating dropped from 95.9 to 83.1. If you check the game logs, then you’ll see his numbers plummeted after the knee injury.
He Didn’t Quit. Loyalty?
How much did the Browns appreciate Mayfield playing through injuries? Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, he remains on the trade block . The team gave Deshaun Watson a $230 million fully guaranteed contract. In 2022, Mayfield is owed $18.858 million. They have no use for him.
Reports indicate that the Browns are finding it nearly impossible to trade Mayfield. No one wants his contract. His skill level is like Ryan Tannehill or Jimmy Garoppolo: not bad but not great. He’s one of those middle quarterbacks who can win with a great supporting cast.
Fair or foul? Mayfield insisted on playing. When Mayfield was forced out of that Week 7 game, these were his comments:
“Only I know how my body feels. If anyone questions whether I’m hindering the team and going out there injured, that’s just not right. It’s my decision. I get to say whether I am able to play or not, and that’s just how it is.”
Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns quarterback on playing injured.
Kacey Musgraves, ‘Follow Your Arrow.”
Don’t play through injury? Then you’re soft. You’re a selfish brat who only cares about yourself. You’re the epitome of Gen Y and Gen Z. Grow up, kid.
Play through injury? Then your team won’t protect you from yourself. You’re left to die. The team won’t show you loyalty. They won’t talk to you when they take a chance on someone who has 22 civil lawsuits.
Should Baker Mayfield Get Another Chance As A Starter?
Yes. His success will largely depend on the franchise. While he isn’t saving the Houston Texans or Seattle Seahawks, I’d love to see him end up with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Battle it out with Mitchell Trubisky. The problem is whether he’d stay healthy behind that offensive line.
