Teams around the NFL, including the Cleveland Browns, have not been able to arrange workouts or take part in organized team activities (OTAs) due to the coronavirus pandemic. Practice facilities remain closed, and most teams have begun implementing virtual offseason programs to get players up to speed.
However, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is not willing to wait for the team facility to open up. Mayfield has reportedly invited a number of his teammates to his hometown in Austin so they can get some work in, via Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
With the Browns unable to practice at their facility until at least May 29, Mayfield has invited teammates to his hometown of Austin, Texas to get a jump on the season. David Njoku, Rashard Higgins, Damion Ratley and a few other teammates have taken him up on his offer.
Austin County had previously sought to extend its stay-at-home order through the end of May.
However, Texas Attorney Ken Paxton has since threatened Austin County officials with legal action should they fail to modify the order to reflect statewide executive orders. Texas Governor Greg Abbott had previously outlined a plan to reopen the state earlier in May.
Mayfield is more concerned with establishing a sense of chemistry than the pending modifications to the stay-at-home order.
The former No. 1 overall pick took a step back in his sophomore season, completing less than 60 percent of his pass attempts and throwing 21 interceptions.
The Browns have made a number of upgrades to the offensive line in the hopes of establishing a cleaner pocket, but Mayfield is still looking to develop more of a rapport with the pass-catchers on the roster.