NEWSLETTER
The Cleveland Browns are releasing disgruntled wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this morning. The star-wide receiver will head to waivers after the two sides worked out an agreement that led to his release after his relationship with the team deteriorated this season.
Sources: The #Browns are releasing star WR Odell Beckham Jr., as the two sides came together on a resolution to end his Cleveland tenure. At long last, he’s out and he’ll head to waivers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2021
Cleveland Browns’ GM Andrew Berry released a statement this morning on the parting of ways between Cleveland and Odell Beckham Jr.:
Statement from Browns’ GM Andrew Berry on the pending release of Odell Beckham Jr. once the contract is finalized: pic.twitter.com/lEVNaISd7w
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 5, 2021
At this point in the season, the NFL waiver wire order reflects the records of the teams entering this week which would put the Detroit Lions atop the list of teams that can claim Beckham Jr. on waivers once his release is finalized with Cleveland. The Chicago Bears are 10th in the waiver order with the Dolphins, Texans, Jaguars, Jets, Giants, Football Team, Eagles, and Seahawks in front of them (in order of highest to lowest).
According to Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network, the Browns will restructure Beckham Jr.’s deal to move most of the $8 million owed to him into a signing bonus. Which would leave his base salary near the league minimum when he hits waivers, making him claimable by teams on the priority list for around $1 million.
From @GMFB: The #Browns have made it official, releasing WR Odell Beckham Jr. pic.twitter.com/590408twzz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2021
As for the Bears, specifically, if he even reaches them on waivers, it’s hard to see them making the move, considering Allen Robinson’s existing dearth of targets. Though, that’s more about what they should do. As for what they would do, well, we know Ryan Pace (and Matt Nagy) are still all in on this season. If they weren’t, they would’ve done more than nothing at the trade deadline.
The Bears already have one WR complaining about not getting enough targets (seriously, ARob's agent whined on Twitter about lack of targets immediately after DET game – a win and Chicago's best passing attack of the year). Why would they claim another? ODB makes no sense for them
— Johnathan Wood (@Johnathan_Wood1) November 5, 2021
