Cleveland Browns make official decision on Odell Beckham Jr.

The Odell Beckham Jr. sweepstakes has officially kicked off. As of 4 p.m. EST, the now-former Cleveland Browns star wide receiver is on waivers, after being waived by the team. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, other teams can claim him and the $7.25 million remaining on his contract Tuesday by 4 p.m. EST. 

Odell Beckham Jr. has had a rocky career with the Cleveland Browns, hampered by injuries and playing just one full season since 2019. And after his frustration with the Browns offense — and, by extension, the Browns organization — was made public, the LSU product hoped to be traded by the NFL’s Nov. 2 deadline.

After a lengthy process between Beckham and the Browns, in which they discussed his payout from the Browns, the former LSU receiver will spend the next 24 hours on the NFL’s waiver wire. And during that period, all other 31 NFL teams have a chance to pick up Beckham and his 7.25 million remaining salary. The order in which teams choose whether or not to pick up the eight-year veteran receiver is based on their current record, similar to the NFL draft order. However, if Beckham makes it through the next 24 hours without being claimed, he will have the right to choose his next destination as a full-on free agent.

Best odds for Beckham Jr.’s next NFL landing spot

New Orleans Saints +300
Las Vegas Raiders +350
Baltimore Ravens +400
New England Patriots +500
Los Angeles Chargers +600
Buffalo Bills +700
Indianapolis Colts +800
San Francisco 49ers +900
Green Bay Packers +1000
Kansas City Chiefs +1200
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1500

There are undoubtedly a few NFL teams that could use Beckham Jr. right now. Even if he isn’t at the same elite form that he flashed in his early years in the league, he could still provide value and depth to a wide receiver room.

The top of the list makes a lot of sense as potential landing spots. The Saints lack a true top-end wide receiver, especially now that Michael Thomas will miss the entire season. Las Vegas just lost Henry Ruggs III after he was arrested for a fatal DUI crash. Baltimore could also use more talent in the wide receiver room, as could New England.

Beckham Jr. is likely to prefer a team where he can play a role right away. Wherever that may be, building chemistry and comfortability will be pivotal. Beckham is also looking for a much-needed fresh start in the NFL. That was something that he just wasn’t able to find with Mayfield in Cleveland.