Speculations have been running galore ever since Adam Schefter reported that Aaron Rodgers doesn’t wish to return to the Packers. And while trade rumors have mostly been surrounding the Denver Broncos, an ESPN analyst had an interesting take. But Browns fans were not having it.
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The very open dispute with Aaron Rodgers vs the Packers front office was as big a piece of news that has broken this whole off-season. The future Hall of Famer reportedly fell into a contract battle with GM Brian Gutekunst, and after he wasn’t offered a long-term contract, Rodgers said that he wanted out.
While Aaron Rodgers will definitely be a present upgrade on current QB Baker Mayfield, Mayfield had an excellent season. The former Sooner took a big step forward, as he led the team to an excellent 11-5 record. Not only did he lead them to the playoffs for the first time since 2002, but he also led the win deprived Browns franchise to their first playoff victory since 1995.
Dec. 29, 2002: the last time the Cleveland Browns clinched a playoff spot.
Until today. pic.twitter.com/d6A53VnQtq
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 3, 2021
Browns fans poured in numbers for Baker Mayfield’s support.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested the Browns should package Baker Mayfield, tight end David Njoku and two first-round picks to send to Green Bay for the 37-year-old Jeopardy guest host. Never mind that it would be completely out of character for both sides, as well as the fact Rodgers has repeatedly stated he wants to play near his California home.
And the fans were having none of it. The Dawg pound stood for their franchise QB after he led the team to a historic season, especially considering the horrific history of the Browns franchise.
aron Rodgers wasn’t the one embracing Cleveland at their worst.
Aaron Rodgers wasn’t the one who ended the 19 year QB search.
Aaron Rodgers wasn’t the one who cried when the Browns broke an 18 year playoff drought because he understood what it meant.
Baker Mayfield was. pic.twitter.com/4NNSOZHqhq
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) May 5, 2021
Tape don’t lie. There’s no quit in Baker Mayfield. #Browns pic.twitter.com/LcZNTMLDpw
— Tattoo Baker (@QB1TATT00) May 5, 2021
Baker Mayfield appreciation post
He’s the guy us Browns fans have been waiting for since 99.
We don’t need to trade for anyone else to replace him. Stop listening to C class sports media members suggesting otherwise. You don’t want to ride with 6 then take a fucking walk. pic.twitter.com/kNzAd8FbRS
— Dirty Mike (@Old_Dirty_Mike) May 5, 2021
I’d rather lose with Baker than win with Rodgers.
Please stop.
— Browns Country (@TheFanDomeShow) May 4, 2021
Baker Mayfield was at the forefront of an excellent team in 2020. He supplemented a top-5 running game and threw for an impressive 26 touchdowns to only 8 interceptions. But his greatest contribution to the Dawg Pound was that he led the team to their first playoff victory since 1995. This was also the first time that they beat division rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Heinz Field since 2003.
While the Browns looked loaded at every position heading into the 2021 season, the new Rodgers development will be very interesting to see play out. Will the team trust that Baker Mayfield will take another step forward. Or should they sacrifice their future for a 37-year old Aaron Rodgers? Only time will tell.
