Top landing spots emerge for Odell Beckham Jr.

The NFL trade deadline has come and gone but drama in Cleveland has everyone wondering where Odell Beckham Jr. might play next. The Browns excused Beckham from practice on Wednesday after his father posted a video complaining about starting quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Things haven’t gone too smoothly since Odell Beckham Jr. joined the Cleveland Browns. He has been hampered by injuries and he has played just one full season since 2019.

After his frustration with the Browns offense went public, the LSU product hoped to be traded by the NFL’s Nov. 2 deadline.

ESPN reporter Kimberley Martin said that the Browns looked into dealing Beckham to a surprise destination, one that Beckham is more than familiar with: New Orleans, his hometown.

“I’m told there were discussions re: Odell going to the Saints — but both sides couldn’t agree on a workable deal, given how much OBJ is owed the rest of the year,” Martin tweeted. She also went on to note that the Browns may be just 4-4, but the organization hopes to make an end-of-season playoff push. Beckham would be a large part of the offense.

The Las Vegas Raiders, reeling from the departure of their head coach and first-round draft pick Henry Ruggs, also showed interest in the veteran wide receiver, according to Jordan Schultz.

Sources: #Saints and #Raiders have displayed interest in Odell Beckham, Jr., who has currently cut contact with HC Kevin Stefanski. The #Browns could still release him, allowing him to then sign elsewhere. Even after his excused missed practice, I’m told OBJ plans to play Sunday.

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 3, 2021

Beckham carries a $14.5 million base salary in 2021, potentially more including bonuses. With the Browns having played eight games, Beckham is still owed roughly $7.68 million in base salary this season.

He signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the New York Giants after his rookie contract expired. The Giants traded him to the Browns. Beckham is under contract through 2023.

This year, in six games, he has 17 receptions on 34 targets for 232 yards without a touchdown.

Baker Mayfield addresses conflict with Beckham

The Cleveland Browns locker room drama took another turn on Thursday. Baker Mayfield addressed the absence of his star receiver Odell Beckham Jr and what it means for his team going forward.

“I’m prepared to do whatever. If he’s back then we will work through it & do whatever it takes. I can put my ego & pride to the side to win because that’s all I care about is winning, but if not, we’ll roll with the guys we have out there,” said Mayfield.

The Browns travel to play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET. They have a 4-4 record after losing 15-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8.