The Cleveland Browns and Odell Beckham Jr. seem to be moving toward the conclusion of their relationship at this time. As head coach Kevin Stefanski answered a litany of questions about the star wide receiver, we know that Beckham is not at the facility today.
Stefanski noted that the team informed Beckham of their decision to not have him at the facility before the receiver was expected to arrive on Wednesday. The head coach deflected many of the questions but notified reporters that general manager Andrew Berry and Beckham’s representation were discussing “next steps.”
According to Stefanski, the head coach has not spoken to his star receiver in 24 hours.
Mike Silver is reporting that Stefanski told the team that Beckham isn’t a part of the team:
Earlier today, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told his players that Odell Beckham Jr. is essentially not on the team right now and that the WR has been told to stay at home.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) November 3, 2021
The Browns have a few options moving forward, none of them likely leading to a positive outcome.
- The team could try to work something out for the receiver to return but that ship seems to have passed. It is an option just unlikely.
- The team could suspend Beckham for conduct detrimental to the team but may have a hard time proving that unless there is more information not known to the public at this time.
- The team and player could agree for him to stay home and for him to become a free agent at the end of the year.
- The team could attempt to put him on injured reserve but the NFLPA would fight that given Beckham was on the field the last few weeks.
- The team could waive the receiver. After the NFL Trade Deadline, all players go on waivers instead of becoming free agents. The Browns would owe him his $8 million remaining salary if no one claimed him.
In the end, the heralded acquisition seems set to go down in Browns history alongside Andre Rison as a failure.
