NFL

Browns say Beckham release in 'best interest of all parties'

By Sports Desk November 05, 2021

Releasing Odell Beckham Jr is "in the best interest of all parties", according to Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry.

The Browns confirmed on Friday that the wide receiver is poised to be released after being excused from practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

That came after both his father, Odell Beckham Sr, and four-time NBA MVP LeBron James complained on social media about Beckham's lack of involvement in the Browns' offense.

The situation appeared to have reached the point of no return, leading to reports Beckham would be released once he had signed a restructured contract for salary cap reasons.

When his release goes through, Beckham will go on waivers, where he can be claimed by another team. Should he clear waivers, he will be free to sign with any team of his choice.

Berry explained the move was coming only after long deliberation.

He said in a statement: "After careful consideration, internal discussions and conversations with Odell and his representation, we have determined that it is in the best interest of all parties that Odell no longer play for the Cleveland Browns.

"We appreciate all his efforts and contributions while in Cleveland, but it has just reached a point where it is best that we move forward as a team without Odell.

"We are finalising the process of granting Odell his release and we wish him well as he continues his career."

Beckham was traded to the Browns by the New York Giants in 2019, though he has failed to hit the heights expected during his time in Cleveland.

He finished his first season in Cleveland with 1,035 receiving yards, but the Browns missed out on the playoffs.

Beckham was sidelined with a torn ACL in 2020 as the Browns ended their postseason drought, reaching the Divisional Round, and he returned from that injury in Week 3 of this season.

So far this year, Beckham has made 17 catches for 232 yards for a Browns team that sit last in the AFC North at 4-4 as quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was seemingly the target of the ire of Beckham's father, has battled a torn labrum.

Despite his struggles in Cleveland, Beckham – a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro with the Giants – would seemingly have plenty of interest in his services.

He topped 1,000 yards in four of his five seasons with the Giants – most of 2017 was lost to an ankle injury – with Julio Jones (103.8) and Antonio Brown (100.6) the only wide receivers between 2014 and 2018 to average more yards per game than Beckham (92.8).

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