Just over a week ago, Odell Beckham Jr. was on the Browns and not particularly happy about it, with the tension in the building peaking when his father shared a video of all the times his son was open and Baker Mayfield missed him. After that, Beckham Jr. was excused from practice and, ultimately, waived by the Browns — although not officially until Monday of this week.
There were a number of reports about where OBJ would end up, with teams like the Packers, Patriots, Saints, Seahawks and others all rumored to have interest in the former All-Pro receiver. Unsurprisingly, Beckham cleared waivers on Tuesday, with no one willing to pick up the $7.5 million of his remaining salary, and he hit free agency. Two days went by without a decision, but on Thursday a deal was reportedly struck between Beckham and the team that can’t stop adding veteran stars, the Los Angeles Rams.
Former Browns’ WR Odell Beckham Jr is finalizing a deal with the Los Angeles Rams, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 11, 2021
After releasing DeSean Jackson recently, there’s a spot in the receiving corps for Beckham to slot into, and there wouldn’t be a ton of pressure on him to be the guy given the presence of Cooper Kupp as the clear leading man on the outside. It was also a bit funny that the Rams appeared to end up with him because they have, effectively, gone all in on veteran star power in recent years and Les Snead seems to be treating the L.A. roster the way you would when building a team in Madden.
However, shortly after Schefter’s report, Beckham Jr. pumped the braked on a deal being done, saying he was still “on the fence” about going to Green Bay or Los Angeles.
Odell Beckham Jr tells me he’s on the fence between Rams & Packers.
— Kim Jones (@KimJonesSports) November 11, 2021
Odell Beckham Jr just told me he's still, "on the fence" with his decision, as of this minute.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 11, 2021
This, apparently, was news to the Rams who seemed to think the deal was done — and surely that was where Schefter first got the information. They even posted the news to their website (and then had to delete it).
Rams source under the impression deal is done…but Beckham Jr.'s voice obviously the one to watch here. https://t.co/KRBdKDFWb8
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) November 11, 2021
Alright so just a check-in here. Two sources said that deal with WR Odell Beckham Jr was finalized with Rams, and it had come down between the Rams and Packers.
Rams’ website also posted announcement a few minutes ago, but since removed it. pic.twitter.com/lisSGaWdxN— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) November 11, 2021
We should find out soon whether the Rams jumping the gun ends up costing them the star receiver, or if he still ends up in L.A., but this saga has only gotten stranger on Thursday afternoon.
UPDATE: Beckham is, indeed, L.A. bound, tipped by him FaceTiming with Von Miller and his friend LeBron James is excitedly welcoming him to Los Angeles.
Welcome to LA my brother @obj! It’s GO TIME!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 11, 2021
Von Miller on the phone with OBJ 👀 pic.twitter.com/M4XCfRjrBf
— PFF (@PFF) November 11, 2021
The deal was officially official shortly after, with the man himself confirming the news after maybe just wanting to have some fun with everyone.
Odell Beckham Jr just texted me: “Rams.”
— Kim Jones (@KimJonesSports) November 11, 2021
#Odell Beckham Jr is signing a 1-year deal with the #Rams. His deal is finalized. LA loads up after Odell makes an incredibly difficult decision.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2021
Odell Beckham Jr is going to the #Rams. He just told me. "I'm feeling the love from them."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 11, 2021