Baker Mayfield Reportedly Focused on Fitness After Out of Shape 2019 Season
By Jerry Trotta
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield regressed staggeringly, and in several ways, in his sophomore season. Putting aside his woeful accuracy and poor decision-making, the 24-year-old signal caller wasn't nearly as mobile as he was in Year 1.
That's saying a lot for a gunslinger that isn't necessarily lauded for his elusiveness.
Well, Mayfield is apparently listening to the critics and acknowledging that he gained weight last offseason in an effort to bulk up to improve his durability. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Oklahoma product will prioritize his "fitness and body makeup" this offseason.
An important focus for the #Browns heading into 2020: QB Baker Mayfield’s fitness and body makeup. From what I understand, he put on some weight last year to bulk up and lost some quickness. His plan is to be slimmer & faster this year, with an emphasis on being in better shape.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2020
That was about as kindly and professional as Rapoport could have summarized Mayfield's fitness levels this past season. A photo emerged in late January that showed Mayfield alongside a few New York Giants players. To say that the former No.1 overall pick resembled anything but a professional athlete would perfectly encapsulate the comparison in physique between the players.
Baker is me every time I take a picture with my skinny friends pic.twitter.com/321mcYE7Kj
— Cleveland Cam (@cleveland_cam) January 30, 2020
We're no bodybuilders, but there's obviously a difference between being stocky and bulking up, and the former No. 1 overall pick is definitely personifying the former in that picture. That's not us hating, either. Even Browns fans would admit that Mayfield's lack of muscle tone is glaring.
It appears as though Mayfield's forgettable second year in the league served as a wake-up call. For his (and the Browns') sake, let's hope he enters Year 3 in much better shape.