The Cleveland Browns have decided to pick up the fifth-year options on both players.
A decision that seemed to be a formality has now been made. The Cleveland Browns have picked up the fifth-year options on Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward. This will keep both players under contract through 2022.
Picking up the option for Ward seemed to be destined to happen right after his rookie season. The same did not apply for Mayfield. Inconsistent play from the most important position on the field set Mayfield up for a make or break season last year. Overall his season was a success, but a lot of the credit belongs to Kevin Stefanski. Even with that success Mayfield was still inconsistent at times last year.
As far as extensions go, Ward seems like a slam dunk extension candidate. For Mayfield, the Browns need to find out more about the quarterback before signing up for a long term marriage. More detailed information and consistent play is needed before an extension should be on the table.
