Tyrod Taylor or Baker Mayfield? Don’t Believe Hue Jackson Has Made a Final Decision
I don’t have a single doubt that Tyrod Taylor has earned the right to be the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback heading into training camp. He went 22-20 over three years as the Bills’ starter while accounting for 65 touchdowns against 16 interceptions.
“I know it was given in the beginning, but he still had to do the things that were going to let him be the starting quarterback here and he’s done that,” Hue Jackson told reporters last week.
But just how long will Taylor hold on to that top spot this summer, especially as No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield makes his run to be the Week 1 starter? Jackson has made similarly strong proclamations about his starting quarterback before. A look back at what he had to say about three different QBs—none on the level of Taylor or Mayfield—at different points last summer.
July 26: “Cody Kessler will walk out there first. He deserves a chance to walk out there first.”
Aug. 7: Brock Osweiler is named the preseason starter. “This thing is not over by any stretch. This is the decision I’ve made at this time.”
Aug. 23: DeShone Kizer named the starter for the third exhibition. “…this is the next step he needs to take and he deserves this opportunity.”
Aug. 27: Kizer is named the Week 1 starter. “He’s earned the right to play through his preparation.”
Taylor and Mayfield won’t make this decision easy for Jackson… whenever he reaches the final decision.
Not getting this newsletter in your inbox yet? Join The MMQB’s Morning Huddle.
…