Absolutely agree. They have to play him. As I noted before, I think they hoped he'd be the next RGIII, but in last year's pre-season, it was quickly apparent he wasn't ready. Then, when Jimmy got hurt, and Trey did play, despite showing physical talent, he didn't seem like he had the ability to throw the way he's needed. All of a sudden it was like, "Hmmm, maybe we shouldn't have given up so much for this guy." But now, they have him, and they simply
must play him. If he loses his first 3, 4, 5 games, but shows potential for improvement, then accept that. But you don't give up what they did to get him, to draft him that high, and wait, and wait, and wait.
As bad of a mistake it was for the Packers to draft Love, this would be a far bigger mistake if Lance doesn't play, and soon.
This brings up a good point. Considering what they gave up to get Lance, and how high they drafted him, what were they thinking? He'd sit a few games behind Jimmy, who would be average, and Lance would come in and be RGIII? I'm guessing that's what they expected. But RGIII right from week 1 was a star in the making. Even in college (Heisman winner) it was assumed he'd be a great pro. Able to keep plays alive in the pocket, intelligent, strong arm with excellent deep field accuracy. Heck, maybe I'm wrong and that's not what Shanahan was hoping for? But then why make the trades and sign Lance to such a contract?
I will say this though, if they know now they are going to start Lance, and move forward with Lance, I'd try to trade Jimmy as soon as I reasonably can, for whatever I can get. And if no takers at all? I'd release him. Be done with it.
Reading up more on Baker. I'm now convinced he won't ever play another down in Cleveland. Even if Watson were suspended for the entire year, I think they either wouldn't play him or he'd just sit out and not even suit up. Or they'll just cut him, and eat his contract as dead money. Shame, because I think with a good coach, on a team of veterans, Mayfield could be a solid, winning QB. He's shown it at times, but he needs a complete offense, and coach that stays on top of him, because his biggest flaw is he can get drives going, make excellent throws, then make one very bad decision, or very bad throw. Typical Cleveland Brown; drive-killing, hope-killing, heart-breaking, faith-killing, QB. Their history is loaded with them!