When Odell Beckham Jr. is not present for offseason workouts, you know it is going to drum up a whole bunch of media controversy. The Cleveland Browns wide receiver was present at organized team activities earlier this week, but he was a no-show on Wednesday when Browns coaches and several players, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, met with the media.
Cleveland head coach Freddie Kitchens said he is not concerned with Beckham's absence from voluntary workouts, and Mayfield echoed the same sentiments:
“You let a guy like that be him,” Mayfield said, according to Nick Shook of the Browns' official team website. “Everybody has their routine. Stick to what’s working, and for him, obviously it’s been working for a while. He’s gonna do what he’s gonna do. You’ve got to trust he’s going to be there when it matters and we know who he is.”
While you would think Beckham would want to be around his new team as much as possible to form relationships heading into 2019, the fact of the matter is that these current workouts are voluntary, so if Beckham feels he doesn't need to attend them, you can't really say anything.
Now, if the 26-year-old starts missing the mandatory stuff, then you have to be concerned.
The Browns acquired Beckham in a trade with the New York Giants earlier this offseason, sending a first-round draft pick, a third-rounder, and young safety Jabrill Peppers to the Giants in exchange for his services.
Beckham has made three Pro Bowls since entering the NFL in 2014.
Follow Us
Subscribe