The drama of 2021 was part of what derailed the season for the Cleveland Browns. While injuries and missed games due to COVID-19 were bigger factors, the issues with Odell Beckham Jr. and Baker Mayfield boiled over to the point where Beckham was released.
Mayfield’s performance, with a significant injury, along with problems with their kickers and punters were the major factors on the field to an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs.
While Mayfield remains on the roster, the former top overall pick has requested a trade and could be gone before training camp starts. The addition of Deshaun Watson has put the Browns in a position to take a huge step forward on the field.
The team has already made changes to the receiver group with the addition of Amari Cooper and the release of Jarvis Landry. Landry could still return.
Now safety John Johnson III is stirring the pot a bit stating on Instagram Live that Beckham was returning to Cleveland:
#Browns John Johnson on Instagram live: “OBJ coming back. You ain’t hear it from me tho.”
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) March 24, 2022
Beckham played well for the Los Angeles Rams as their secondary receiver before tearing his ACL during the Super Bowl. Having just recovered from tearing his ACL in 2020, Beckham’s rehab could keep him from playing in the regular season in 2022 but could allow him to return in time for the playoffs.
Johnson was supportive of Beckham during last year’s drama but wondered about his fit with the Rams given the other receivers there.
Given his injury and all the drama of last year, a Beckham return seems unlikely. However, Beckham’s problems seem to boil down to issues with Mayfield. If/when Mayfield is traded, returning to play with Watson, and perhaps Landry again, could make for some intriguing storylines.
While it seems unlikely, Johnson’s comment must be covered.