Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is finished for the season and will have shoulder surgery as soon as possible, Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday.
Case Keenum will be under center as the Browns (7-9) finish out the season at home Sunday against the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals (10-6).
Even though Cleveland was eliminated from the playoff picture Sunday, Mayfield started Monday night’s game at Pittsburgh and was intercepted twice in a 26-14 loss to the Steelers. He was also sacked nine times, punctuating what the former No. 1 overall pick has said was a painful season in more ways than one.
Mayfield, who has a tear in his left labrum, said he played in the “Monday Night Football” game because of his competitive nature.
“Now it’s time for me to start looking at what’s in the best interest of me and my health,” he said after the game.
His future in Cleveland remains uncertain.
General manager Andrew Berry hinted at a long-term commitment to Mayfield back in August, with the Browns coming off of a playoff run. But Berry also said if Mayfield “plays his best” the contract would take care of itself.
Mayfield, 26, is tied for 20th in the NFL with 17 touchdown passes and ranks in the bottom third of the league in quarterback rating. His 13 interceptions are tied for ninth most in the NFL.
While Cleveland did pick up the fifth-year option on Mayfield, there are no trade restrictions on the option, which pays him $18.66 million in 2022. More than half of the NFL’s 32 teams could be in the market for a starting quarterback in the offseason.
“It’s not gonna always be pretty or smooth, but I’m a fighter,” Mayfield said. “If anybody ever questions how much I want it, just turn on this tape. It wasn’t pretty, but I kept going, kept swinging; that’s who I am, and that’s what I will continue to be.”
In addition to the torn labrum, Mayfield has battled left foot soreness and a right knee contusion this season. He also has had to wear a harness on the left shoulder to prevent it from popping out of place again.
“I’ve continued to lay it out on the line when I haven’t been healthy and tried to fight for our guys,” Mayfield said. “Right now, I’m pretty damn beat up, to be honest with you. There’s no way around it. I gave it everything I had tonight.”
In four seasons as the starter, the 2018 No. 1 overall draft pick has a 29-30 record.