Baker Mayfield responds to Odell Beckham Jr. situation: 'If he’s back, we’ll work through it'
There's still a chance for Odell Beckham Jr. to work things out with the Cleveland Browns. If Beckham wants to come back to the team, quarterback Baker Mayfield believes they can "work through it."
Beckham is apparently no longer part of the Browns. He was excused from practice Wednesday after the team failed to trade him before Tuesday's trade deadline. Beckham is reportedly asking to be released. It's unclear if the Browns are willing to take that step.
For now, it appears at least some on the team want to try and work things out. Mayfield expressed that Wednesday, saying talking to Beckham would be helpful.
Can Baker forgive Odell?
“Yeah i think any conversation would go a long way.” #browns— KimberLEY A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) November 3, 2021
Mayfield also said he would "put my ego and pride aside" if Beckham came back, hinting at some animosity between the two players.
“If he’s back, we’ll work thru it…I can put my ego and pride aside to win.”
— Baker Mayfield— KimberLEY A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) November 3, 2021
Beckham was the subject of trade rumors prior to the trade deadline. The Browns reportedly didn't receive strong offers for Beckham, and decided to hold on to him.
Beckham missed the first two games of the season due to a knee injury, but has received consistent snaps since his return. In six games, Beckham has 17 receptions for 232 yards and no touchdowns.
Baker Mayfield responds to Odell Beckham Jr.'s father
At least one person believes Mayfield is to blame for Beckham's poor numbers. Beckham's father, Odell Sr., posted a video compilation showing multiple plays in which he believed his son was open, but Mayfield failed to throw the ball. Beckham Sr. even suggested Mayfield was intentionally not throwing to Beckham.
Mayfield dismissed that notion Wednesday.
Baker: “Deliberately not throwing the ball (scoffs) … That’s an opinionated statement, I’ll say that.”
— KimberLEY A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) November 3, 2021
Beckham Jr. and Mayfield haven't had much time to work on their chemistry lately. Beckham was limited to seven games last season due to his injury. He did not play in the preseason in 2021 and missed the first two games of the regular season due to that injury.
When the two are healthy, Beckham's numbers have fallen short of their previous levels. Beckham's catch rate is 54.3 percent with the Browns, a decline from the 62.7 catch rate he showed with the New York Giants. The touchdowns haven't been there either. Beckham has 7 scores in 29 games with the Browns. He had 12 touchdowns in 13 games with the Giants as a rookie.
At 28, there's little evidence Beckham is cooked as a player. It's still possible he could have a happy ending in Cleveland, but it would require a few fences to be mended.
