Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is now a free agent for the first time in his career after clearing waivers on Tuesday.
OBJ was subjected to waivers because the NFL trade deadline had passed once the Cleveland Browns made his release official earlier in the week. According to multiple media reports, none of the NFL’s 31 other teams picked Beckham Jr. and his remaining $7.25 million cap hit off waivers.
What does this mean? Well, it’s rather simple. Odell Beckham Jr. is now free to sign with a team of his choosing.
Most recently, reports indicated that the Green Bay Packers emerged as his preferred landing spot. That came after other reports linked the five-time 1,000-yard receiver to the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, among other teams.
Related: Ideal Odell Beckham Jr. landing spots
Where will Odell Beckham Jr. land?
New Orleans and San Francisco both made it clear that they would not be able to claim OBJ off waivers due to financial and salary cap restraints. They were initially bandied about as the two most-likely landing spots. Fresh off an ugly loss to the Cardinals and boasting a 3-5 record, we’re not sure San Francisco makes sense. It doesn’t fit the mold of a contending team that OBJ is looking for.
The Packers, Saints, Seahawks and Patriots all have to be seen as legit playoff contenders. In particular, Green Bay has Super Bowl aspirations this season.
Now that the star receiver has cleared waivers, other teams at the bottom of the waiver-wire order could also come into play here. That includes the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The thought here is that Beckham Jr. will take some time to make a decision. So, don’t expect him to sign with a team in time to play Week 10. There’s also a chance that three-time Pro Bowler opts for a multi-year deal.