Image via Getty/Kirk Irwin
The Odell Beckham saga is about to come ot end in Cleveland. The star receiver’s father posted a video showing every route Beckham was open on but wasn’t targeted and the toxicity reached its peak after the team responded to the video by excusing him from practice Wednesday and Thursday. According to multiple reports, the Browns will release Beckham Friday.
From the start, the acquisition of Beckham from the Giants has been bumpy. Beckham never seemed to be on the same page as quarterback Baker Mayfield, and the hiring of Kevin Stefanski meant a new system that didn’t cater to a star receiver. That’s why Stefon Diggs wanted out from Minnesota when Stefanski was there.
Beckham wasn’t dealt on the trade deadline, likely due to his bloated salary and shoulder injury that has plagued him. As a veteran with more than four years of service that’s being released after the NFL trade deadline, Beckham would be subject to the waivers process where teams, starting with the NFL’s worst, have an opportunity to claim him. But if he passes through waivers without a claim—and the Browns reportedly are trying to rework Beckham’s contract so he’s claimed via waivers, potentially preventing him from landing on a contender—he then becomes a free agent. We’re breaking down the best landing spots for Beckham should he reach free agency. Beckham can still prove to be a highly impactful featured weapon in the right situation.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints reportedly called to inquire about Beckham before the trade deadline but couldn’t make a deal work due to his high salary and the cap constraints the team has. As a one-year rental, the Saints easily have the biggest need of any contender. News broke Wednesday that star receiver Michael Thomas is out for the rest of the season, leaving the Saints desperate for help.
Beckham would at least give Taysom Hill one legitimate receiving threat beyond Alvin Kamara. Head coach Sean Payton runs one of the most playmaker-friendly scheme in the league, and Beckham once commented on Instagram how advantageous the scheme is.
With retired quarterback Philip Rivers also recently commenting he’d be open to joining the Saints, the franchise could go all-in with Rivers and Beckham in a mid-season overhaul. But it would be unprecedented to see two of such moves, and might be too Madden-esque.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers made one of the most head-scratching decisions of the trade deadline. They passed on the opportunity to add a playmaker at receiver or tight end despite injuries piling up. Adding Beckham for next to nothing would significantly raise the team’s ceiling.
Outside of Davante Adams, there’s not one playmaker on the roster able to force defensive coordinators to alter their schemes. But the combination of Adams and Beckham would give Aaron Rodgers a tremendously skilled and speedy bunch. And slot receiver Randall Cobb would be even more dangerous with less attention.
Beckham has long been linked to Green Bay since the team has lacked a quality second option for Rodgers. This could also be the team’s final Hail Mary in saving their relationship with Rodgers.
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s not a secret the Kansas City Chiefs are struggling to produce on offense despite their star power. They already nabbed former Browns receiver Josh Gordon. Beckham would immediately inject a presence greater than even Sammy Watkins brought to the unit in prior years.
The Chiefs need a secondary threat next to Tyreek Hill to ease the pressure on the unit. Travis Kelce hasn’t been fully effective, and the rest of the receiver depth chart has struggled to consistently produce. Kansas City could easily outscore any foe with Beckham further threatening the defense.
More so than other landing spots though, Kansas City is unlikely to retain Beckham beyond 2021. Their salary cap constraints and needs on defense mean paying Beckham handsomely would be impossible. This could be a factor for Beckham.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are sliding in part because of Justin Herbert hitting a sophomore wall. The offense has good playmakers but are thin on depth. A speedy threat who can complement Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, Beckham would undoubtedly elevate the unit.
Most importantly, Herbert could utilize his deep passing ability more. He’s sitting at a mediocre 7.1 yards per attempt on the season, which cannot continue for this team to realize their potential. Beckham would stretch the field and give him an intermediate and deep threat.
With Williams set to be a free agent and the Chargers slated to have significant cap flexibility next year, Beckham doesn’t have to be a rental either. He has long term potential with Herbert and the Chargers. This would be the best overall landing spot for him.
Baltimore Ravens
Maybe Beckham wants revenge on Baker Mayfield and the Browns. There would be no better landing spot than the Baltimore Ravens if he wants the trifecta of impacting an offense, competing for a Super Bowl, and hurting his old team. Baltimore could absolutely use Beckham’s talent.
Their current receiving corps is doing well when healthy, as Hollywood Brown has emerged as a stud. But Beckham would be an upgrade over Sammy Watkins and Rashod Bateman. Both of those two have had injury issues as well, so giving Beckham snaps would protect their depth.
Lamar Jackson’s immense improvement as a passer means Baltimore could maximize Beckham’s potential. This is no longer a run-first offense that sparingly throws for first downs. Instead, Beckham could legitimize their evolution into a Super Bowl-worthy passing game.