Odell Beckham Jr. nearly had a homecoming.
The Browns and Saints discussed a trade involving the embattled receiver, but couldn’t come to terms, according to ESPN’s Kimberley A. Martin. Beckham’s salary, which isn’t guaranteed the next two seasons but carries a $15 million cap hit, was a sticking point, per Martin.
Beckham, who played for the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans before playing for LSU, would have slotted into the Saints’ receiving corps easily with Michael Thomas on IR and Marquez Callaway currently the team’s No. 1. Since returning in Week 3 from the torn ACL he suffered last year, Beckham has 232 yards on 17 receptions.
The 4-4 Browns are reportedly optimistic that Beckham can be part of their playoff push. But Beckham wanting out of Cleveland amid a seemingly poor relationship with Baker Mayfield threatens to undermine his talent.
On Tuesday, both Odell Beckham Sr. and LeBron James posted on social media implying that Beckham doesn’t see enough of the ball.
The receiver’s father posted a video on Instagram that showed a montage of Mayfield not throwing to an open Beckham. James tweeted: “OBJ will again show why he’s special. WR1 #FreeOBJ.”
Beckham had just one catch for 6 yards in a 15-10 Browns loss against the Steelers on Sunday. Though his camp is evidently upset with a lack of targets, Beckham’s 34 leads the Browns.