Browns' Mayfield would welcome Beckham Jr. back amid drama

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Baker Mayfield would welcome Odell Beckham Jr. back amid drama

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/3/21

Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was "excused" from Wednesday's practice session ahead of this Sunday's divisional game against the 5-3 Cincinnati Bengals just one day after Beckham's father shared a lengthy video via social media that showed instances of quarterback Baker Mayfield either not throwing to or not seeing Beckham during games.

It's widely assumed Beckham was exiled from at least Wednesday's session and may have played his last down for the organization. As shared by Cleveland radio station 92.3 The Fan, Mayfield spoke with media members after practice and suggested the relationship between the teammates is fixable.

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield says he has not spoken to Odell since yesterday
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 3, 2021

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield on whether this can be repaired with Odell: "I thought we had a very open line of communication going into it. We'll see. There's always room for improvement in every relationship."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 3, 2021

Mayfield added he would accept "anything" to get the 4-4 Browns back to a winning record, presumably as soon as the first Sunday in November.

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield on whether he wants Odell back: "I would take anything to have a winning team right now. Our focus needs to be on winning. Anything like this, stuff created on the outside drama-wise, takes away from the focus, attention to detail that we need to have."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 3, 2021

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield on whether he'd accept an apology from Odell: "Yeah. I think any sort of conversation would go a long way."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 3, 2021

Cleveland's QB1 admitted he is "surprised" by the current state of the situation that has the Browns speaking with Beckham's representatives about what comes next, as Josh Alper explained for Pro Football Talk:

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield on whether he's hurt by this Odell situation: "Hurt? No. Surprised? Yeah."
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 3, 2021

Baker, if he thinks Odell Sr. was talking on behalf of Odell Jr.: #Browns pic.twitter.com/wlRspls27l
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) November 3, 2021

As Ben Axelrod of WKYC tweeted, though, there are clearly issues inside the Cleveland locker room in early November.

Baker Mayfield on if he can trust OBJ again: "That's one of those things where once -- or if -- we address it, then we'll see."
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) November 3, 2021

The Browns reportedly spoke with the New Orleans Saints about Beckham at some point, but no transaction occurred before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline.

Beckham has recorded 17 receptions for 232 yards and no touchdowns this season.

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