The Cleveland Browns followed a simple formula to bring success within their reach.
They found their quarterback. Once they did that, everything else fell into place.
Don’t believe it? Consider the flailing that went on the previous 20 seasons before general manager John Dorsey identified and drafted Baker Mayfield first overall in 2018. When Mayfield rewarded the faith with 27 touchdown passes and a historic rookie season, it was just a matter of adding around the core.
The culmination came with Wednesday’s trade for Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.