Browns finalize Odell release
The Cleveland Browns are working with Odell Beckham Jr.’s representatives to negotiate a new agreement on terms under which they would release the receiver, the team said Friday.
“After careful consideration, internal talks and conversations with Odell and his representatives, we have decided that it is in the best interest, for all parties, that Odell no longer play for the Cleveland Browns,” team general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement.
“We appreciate all of his effort and contributions while in Cleveland, but we have reached a point where it is best for us to move forward as a team without Odell. We are completing the process to give Odell his release and wish him the best as he continues his career.”
The Browns are converting Beckham’s base salary into a signing bonus to reduce his cap hit in an attempt to save money, Once the contract is finalized, which is expected to be anytime in the next few days, Beckham will be released. He cannot be claimed on waivers until next week.
Beckham was excused from practice for the second straight day Thursday as both sides tried to work out a solution, according to sources.
Beckham was told not to go to Wednesday’s practice, a day after his father posted a video on Instagram highlighting times when quarterback Baker Mayfield either didn’t throw the ball to Beckham or lost it when he was unmarked.
According to multiple sources, Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the team prior to Wednesday’s practice and informed the players that Beckham would no longer be a part of the team as the remaining elements prepared for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Both Stefanski and Mayfield said Wednesday that they had not heard from Beckham since his father’s Instagram posts went viral.
Beckham, who had his birthday Friday, is under contract for two more seasons but has no guaranteed money left on his contract. The NFL trade deadline was Tuesday, so Cleveland can’t trade Beckham until the start of the 2022 season.
The three-time Pro-Bowl player has a $1 million bonus, the same bonus that will be for the first day of training camp each season. The Browns would save $15 million against the salary cap if they trade or release him during the offseason.
Beckham, one of the NFL’s most talented receivers, has also been criticized as one of the most disruptive. He came to Cleveland after a 2019 trade with the new York Giants, who grew tired of his attitudes. His arrival with the Browns brought unrealistic expectations in the first season and had a lot to do with the team’s 6-10 record and head coaching change.
Although Beckham insisted he was happy in Cleveland, where he was reunited with former college teammate and close friend, Jarvis Landry, he didn’t like not being in a major market. He reportedly told opponents on the field during pregame warmups to “come get me” in the offseason.
Beckham seemed to fit in last season with Stefanski but never had a strong connection with Mayfield, so the lack of chemistry was a constant theme.
When Beckham had a knee injury in October 2020, it seemed to free up Mayfield, who played better without the receiver and led the Browns to their first playoff appearance in 18 seasons and their first win at this stage since 1994.
Beckham worked hard to return from a torn ACL injury this season, and there was a time when it appeared his relationship with Mayfield and the Browns was finally working; however, he was rarely a major part of the game plan other than being a decoy, and Beckham was noticeably upset after Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh in which he caught just one pass for 6 yards in a 15-10 loss.
The video posted by Beckham Sr. along with a tweet from LeBron James, who said “OBJ will show again why he’s special. WR1 #FreeOBJ,” seemed orchestrated by Beckham and was the clearest sign yet that a breakup with the franchise was necessary.
Beckham had 17 receptions for 232 yards and zero touchdowns in six games this season. He had just two 100-yard games in 29 games with Cleveland.
