Cleveland, Ohio — Baker Mayfield is experiencing a remarkable turnaround in his career, currently placing fourth in the NFL for passing yards and third for passing touchdowns. After leaving the Cleveland Browns for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mayfield’s performance has been nothing short of stellar. He also ranks sixth in Expected Points Added per dropback, according to advanced metrics from TruMedia. His ability to shine in crucial moments has transformed perceptions of his gameplay, propelling him and the Buccaneers to the top of the NFC South while positioning him as an early contender for the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

While discussing Mayfield often resonates with passionate sentiments from Browns fans, it’s pertinent to consider his legacy in light of Cleveland’s ongoing struggles at the quarterback position. The Browns’ current quarterback lineup raises questions about the future of Shedeur Sanders, who has yet to see meaningful play since late August. Speculation lingers that Sanders remains on the roster due to management decisions or a fear his potential may flourish elsewhere, reminiscent of Mayfield’s rise following his exit from Cleveland.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has shown inconsistency in his football-related judgments, which raises doubts about the team’s decision not to release Sanders. With only two fifth-round quarterbacks achieving significant successes historically, the odds of Sanders becoming one of them appear slim. Given the team’s struggles, both parties may benefit from an immediate separation, ideally before the upcoming trade deadline.

Since trading Joe Flacco, a former starter, the Browns have found themselves at a crossroads regarding their quarterback depth. Flacco’s departure surprised many who believed he provided valuable experience. Coach Kevin Stefanski seemed to indicate a shift may occur, possibly moving Bailey Zappe up from the practice squad to fill the backup role. This decision aligns with the team’s re-evaluation of its quarterback strategy and indicates Sanders might not fit into their immediate plans.

The lingering presence of Sanders within the team is increasingly viewed as a distraction. With three quarterbacks already on the active roster, Zappe’s advancement suggests a clear path away from Sanders. Stefanski’s comments highlight a focus on player development but also avoid committing to Sanders as a viable backup option, casting further doubt on his status.

Cleveland’s history with quarterbacks has long been marred by missteps and controversies. The franchise has cycled through an astonishing 41 quarterbacks since 1999, underscoring a deep-rooted struggle to find stability at the position. The current climate suggests a growing consensus around the league that Sanders may not be the answer for the Browns. The situation reflects a broader skepticism about his readiness to contribute meaningfully, which could also inhibit the development of rookie Dillon Gabriel, whom the Browns invested a third-round pick in.

The ongoing dialogue surrounding Sanders has drawn attention away from the quarterbacks who are actually contributing to the team’s success. As the Browns navigate a challenging season, they may need to reconsider their approach to Sanders. A trade or release could ultimately clear the air and refocus efforts on their core players.

With a record of 1-4, the Browns face pressing challenges that require immediate attention. Each day that Sanders remains in the building serves as a reminder of past failures, rather than a step toward future successes. Allowing Sanders to explore opportunities elsewhere might open the door for newer, more promising options and foster a more focused environment as the team seeks to rebuild.