"Mitch Trubisky is too big of a threat" - NFL analyst sends warning to Baker Mayfield amid Browns trade talks
In a discussion on ESPN's KJM about Baker Mayfield between Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, and Jay Williams, Johnson let slip his true opinion of the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. Sometimes, one sentence can let slip an idea other than what the speaker was intending.
Put simply, Keyshawn Johnson compared trubisky" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Mitchell Trubisky to the first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Despite losing his job with the Chicago Bears and holding the clipboard for the Buffalo Bills in 2021, Johnson said that Trubisky could threaten the former 2017 Sugar Bowl MVP's job if the two were put on the same roster.
When asked whether the Browns should pursue Trubisky, Johnson vehemently pushed back on the idea.
"Because you just don't because he's not there. You don't want to put the pressure on Baker Mayfield because Mitch Trubisky is too big of a threat."
In Johnson's defense, he could have meant that the idea of Trubisky sounds better than the result would be. The idea of the possibilities could create pressure to switch.
He could be saying that adding Trubisky would create a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson said he has had a formal #NFLCombine meeting with the #Browns and it would be great to link up with Baker Mayfield in the #NFL
Why history could be repeating itself for Baker Mayfield
The Browns may elect to add Trubisky just in case. The team currently has veteran quarterback Case Keenum as the top backup to the former Heisman Trophy winner.
However, with Mayfield already on shaky ground, he will likely take the addition of any quarterback as a threat to his starting job.
Something similar to this happened with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Their quarterback, Carson Wentz, had a tough year in 2019 in terms of wins and losses, but he threw for 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson said he would love to link back up with “his guy” Baker Mayfield.
The two attended Lake Travis High School and have thrown together in the past.
He has met formally with the Browns. #Browns https://t.co/uEymQaXSvX
However, the team decided to add a quarterback "just in case" with Jalen Hurts. Hurts' presence created pressure for Wentz, who altered his game and suffered because of it.
In 2020, he threw for 16 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, giving the team reason to bench him in favor of the rookie quarterback.
In 2021, without a rookie breathing down his neck, Wentz rocketed back to 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Mayfield could be successful in a new home even if it doesn't work out in Cleveland.