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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Browns sign QB Baker Mayfield – No. 1 pick – before camp

This June 12, 2018 photo shows Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield throwing during practice at the NFL football team's training camp facility in Berea, Ohio. The Browns have signed Mayfield to his rookie contract. The Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma signed Tuesday, July 24, 2018 a day before Clevelands players are due to report to training camp. (Tony Dejak / AP)
By Tom Withers Associated Press

CLEVELAND – Quarterback Baker Mayfield has signed his rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns.

The top overall pick in this year’s NFL draft finalized his four-year, $32 million deal on Tuesday, a day before Cleveland’s players are scheduled to report to training camp. Rookie cornerback Denzel Ward, selected with the No. 4 overall pick, remains unsigned.

One of college football’s most popular and polarizing players, Mayfield is not expected to start in his first season for Cleveland. The Browns acquired Tyrod Taylor during an offseason trade from Buffalo and plan to play him until Mayfield is ready.

Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy last season at Oklahoma after he passed for 4,627 yards and 43 touchdowns. The Browns chose him over several other top-tier college QBs in April’s draft.

Cleveland has spent nearly the past two decades searching for its franchise quarterback and hope Mayfield can end its quest.

The Browns went 0-16 last season.