The saga in Cleveland appears to be nearing its end with multiple reports suggesting the Browns intend to release wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. as early as Friday.
Both Pro Football Talk and Yahoo! Sports report that the relationship has been severed and after several days of negotiations, the two sides are headed for divorce.
In a move that has been in the works since Tuesday night, a league source told Yahoo Sports the Browns have come to an agreement to release Beckham. The source said the Browns and Beckham’s representatives were still finalizing financial details on Thursday that would ultimately result in the Browns placing Beckham on waivers.
The Browns initially acquired Beckham in a blockbuster trade with the New York Giants that also included Olivier Vernon going to Cleveland and Jabrill Peppers, Kevin Zeitler and some picks going to Big Blue.
The Giants decided to part ways with Beckham after giving him a massive contract due, in part, to some of his sideline antics and open criticism of both the team and his teammates.
Beckham also had a history of on-field issues during his time with the Giants, including a meltdown against the Carolina Panthers and cornerback Josh Norman that led to a suspension.
Following that incident, Beckham again railed against his teammates, claiming they didn’t have his back.
Although Beckham might be an elite talent who has still yet to reach his full potential, the constant maturity issues are clearly wearing thin. And while he’s bound to receive significant attention on the free agent market, teams will be wary of that dark cloud that seems to follow OBJ.
Do not expect the Giants to express any sort of interest in a reunion with Beckham.
