Ravens' Odell Beckham Jr. addresses Browns drama ahead of reunion

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. isn't feeling any particular way about facing the Cleveland Browns for the first time since the Browns released him in November 2021 this Sunday. 

"Nah. I mean, I made great bonds and memories with those guys over there," Beckham told reporters on Thursday, per Ryan Mink and Clifton Brown of the Ravens' website. "Once you're on a team, you build a brotherhood that lasts way longer than anything else." 

The New York Giants traded Beckham to the Browns in March 2019, and he reportedly "asked to be traded multiple times" following the 2020 campaign when he was coming off surgery to repair the torn ACL he suffered in October of that year. Social media posts shared by Beckham's father in the fall of 2021 that blamed now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield for a lack of on-the-field chemistry between the two players sparked drama and seemingly played a role in OBJ's release.

During an October appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Mayfield said he and Beckham are "good now." The Browns traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers in July 2022. 

"Not to be like, 'Oh, it's another game to me,' but it will be fun to go against these guys who are friends and brothers of mine," Beckham continued during his comments. "But definitely no animosity on my end for sure. A lot of love and respect."

Beckham signed a one-year, $15M contract with the Ravens this past spring. Thus far this season, the three-time Pro Bowl selection has recorded 19 catches for 218 yards and a single touchdown that he tallied in last Sunday's 37-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks. 

As much as finding the end zone for the first time with the Ravens meant to Beckham, he acknowledged that his "expectations are way higher than just one touchdown." 

The 7-2 Ravens defeated the 5-3 Browns in Week 4 and are looking to complete the season sweep. As of Friday afternoon, oddschecker listed Baltimore as a 6.5-point favorite for the divisional matchup.