Mayfield 'surprised' by Beckham drama, hasn't spoken to WR

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield was caught off guard by critical comments made by wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.'s father against him Tuesday.

"I was as surprised as you were," said Mayfield, who added he hasn't spoken to Beckham about the incident, according to The Athletic's Zac Jackson.

The Browns excused Beckham from practice Wednesday, one day after his father, Odell Beckham Sr., shared a post in which he criticized Mayfield. The post ramped up trade speculation involving Beckham in the hours leading up to Tuesday's deadline, but Cleveland reportedly wasn't able to move the three-time Pro Bowler.

Mayfield said he'd be open to addressing the situation with the pass-catcher.

"If he's back, we'll work through it and do what it takes," he said, according to Doug Kyed of PFF. "I can put my ego and pride aside to win."

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who also hasn't spoken to Beckham over the last 24 hours, said Wednesday that general manager Andrew Berry is meeting with the receiver's representatives to discuss the situation.

"There's a lot of conversations that are ongoing between Andrew and his reps and I'm sure there's substantive talk towards all those things," Stefanski said.

Many around the NFL believe Beckham could be released, which would mark the end of a disappointing two-plus-season stint in Cleveland. He's on the books for $13.75 million in 2022, but the Browns could cut him in the offseason for nothing since none of the money is guaranteed.

The 28-year-old established himself as one of the NFL's best receivers during his five seasons with the New York Giants, but his production has drastically declined since joining the Browns via trade in 2019.