The Odell Beckham Jr. era with the Cleveland Browns unceremoniously ended after two and a half seasons.
He was never an excellent fit for their offense that prioritizes the run.
Combine that realization with his injury history, and he never produced for his second NFL team.
Meanwhile, after the drama, the Browns found success by gaining a convincing victory over their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals.
Browns officially placed Odell Beckham Jr. on waivers today; other teams can claim him and the $7.25 remaining on his contract Tuesday by 4 pm.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2021
Baker Mayfield made the right throws, and Nick Chubb returned to being a dominant force.
This recent success proves that the Browns did not need Beckham to win.
Amidst the controversy, the split ended well, with Mayfield extending nice words to his former teammate.
But as the 29-year-old wide receiver moves on, here are three teams that will find his skill set useful.
Wherever Beckham lands, though, he must accept his role and be ready to continue the grind.
Kevin Stefanski is a better coach without OBJ. Baker Mayfield is a better QB without OBJ.
Stefanski is great because he attacks defenses with scheme-not people@bakermayfield is at his best when he allows the D to dictate who “#1” is. @browns@nathanzegura pic.twitter.com/h0eu7Jx2ws— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) November 8, 2021
That team must also absorb the $7.25 million left on his 2021 salary if they claim him off waivers.
He becomes a free agent if no team claims him, and interested franchises can offer him a new contract.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
Their loss against the New York Giants proved that they must fill the void that Henry Ruggs vacated.
They don’t have a speedy receiver who can stretch the field to catch deep throws or serve as a decoy for underneath routes.
Beckham can embrace that role even if he’s not the primary receiver.
He will get his receptions, but Derek Carr must split the snaps between pass and run plays.
#Raiders last month:
Oct. 8: First Gruden emails leak
Oct. 10: Gruden coaches vs CHI, lose 20-9
Oct. 11: More emails leak, Gruden resigns
Nov. 2: Henry Ruggs charged with DUI resulting in death. Ruggs cut
Nov. 6: Video shows Damon Arnette flashing guns.
Nov. 8: Arnette cut.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 8, 2021
Likewise, Carr will look first if there’s a mismatch with Darren Waller.
Hunter Renfrow and Bryan Edwards are reliable targets as well.
New acquisition DeSean Jackson will also take some catches off him.
Therefore, Beckham can’t complain if he’s not getting the lion’s share of the catches.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs offense continued to show its struggles against an Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers.
A few more completions by Jordan Love could have turned the game’s favor to Green Bay.
That’s not a good sign for the Super Bowl LIV champions, who are still in the thick of the AFC West race.
"The only team left is the Kansas City Chiefs, Odell! If you pick the Chiefs here's what I can offer you:
・ Live in Nick's KC house until settled
・ Tour by @MayorLucasKC
・ Lifetime supply of KC BBQ"— @getnickwright's pitch to @obj on why he should choose the Chiefs pic.twitter.com/x8FuRaMDib
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) November 8, 2021
Sadly, the Josh Gordon experiment isn’t working, and they still need to bring in the third receiver to relieve pressure off Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
Beckham can be that guy to take over from Gordon, granted that he accepts that he’s not the primary receiver again.
While getting the former Brown can help revitalize their offense, Patrick Mahomes must also limit his turnovers, especially when forcing throws downfield.
But when Mahomes and Beckham click, it can be scary for the rest of the NFL.
1. New Orleans Saints
Beckham declared that the Seattle Seahawks were his preferred destination.
However, it does not make sense for him to join a team with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Coming to the New Orleans Saints, though, will make the most sense for him.
With Michael Thomas out for the season, New Orleans needs a receiver that can cover more ground.
"You're never going to punk the @Saints. That's a New Orleans thing. That's a Sean Payton thing. You're never going to come into that building and bully them around. They've been underdogs 13 times since 2018. They're 11-2 in those games." — @Pschrags pic.twitter.com/NSv46V0Q2J
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) November 1, 2021
He will be a big help to Marquez Callaway, Deonte Harris, and Kenny Stills.
Likewise, Beckham is a Louisiana native who also went to LSU.
Therefore, joining the Saints would not only be an emotional homecoming, but the team can use him the most.
Taking over for Thomas can get Beckham’s career back on track.
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