Former Browns WR Beckham flirts with several contenders

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Odell Beckham Jr.

The Cleveland Browns had serious discussions about bringing back some familiar faces after controversial quarterback Baker Mayfield retired during the offseason. As it turns out, one of the players the team has courted is seriously considering other options.

Free agent Odell Beckham Jr. made an official visit to the Los Angeles Rams, according to the NFL’s transaction line released Friday, Sept. 9. The receiver ended up in LA after forcing his way out of Cleveland midway through last season over long disagreements with Mayfield and frustrations over the QB’s inconsistent level of play.

Beckham’s visit to the Rams became public less than 24 hours after the defending champion lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl. 31-10, in the opening game of the season. but Pro Football Focus’ Ari Meirov tweeted on Friday that the wide receiver’s presence doesn’t necessarily mean he’s interested in returning to the team.

“This is great: Since Odell Beckham Jr. was in the building for the Super Bowl banner ceremony last night, the #Rams had to notify the league that he was on an official ‘visit’ as he is currently a free agent. ” Meirow reports.

Rams Legitimate Landing Spot for Ex-Browns Receiver Beckham

GettyWR Odell Beckham Jr., formerly of the Cleveland Browns, warms up before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio.

While Beckham’s trip to SoFi Stadium Thursday night was just a team visit in the most technical sense under NFL rules, a reunion with the Rams is high on the list of possibilities for the three-time Pro Bowler.

Beckham tore his ACL in the second quarter of the Rams’ Super Bowl win, but has been a significant addition to the roster through the second half of the regular season and all of the postseason up to that point.

Independently NFL reporter Dov Kleiman tweeted a video of Beckham on the sidelines, noting that both the Rams and Bills have been stalking Beckham while he waits to get healthy enough to play.

“Odell Beckman Jr. is in LA to watch the #Rams-#Bills game.” Kleiman wrote. “Both teams have been flirting with signing OBJ and the Rams have reportedly kept his dressing room intact from last season. Notice the Rams colors he wears.”

Beckham hints at interest in joining Bills as several applicants remain

GettyWR Odell Beckham Jr. formerly of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates during the Super Bowl LVI Victory Parade on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

While the Rams appeared to be the front-runners to sign Beckham for the game, the Bills’ blowout win may have turned the tide.

Taking to Twitter after the contest, Beckham addressed both the Bills and their fans, who brought a strong presence to the Rams’ home stadium on Thursday.

“Crap …. Bill’s mafia?????? 😂 😂 😂”, Beckham tweeted.

Beckham is in no rush to make a decision now as he is likely two to three months away from returning to the field. His suitors’ health and win/loss records will almost certainly play a role in where he decides to go, and the longer he waits to make a decision, the more information he’ll have on both counts.

A murky candidate for Beckham’s services could be the Green Bay Packers, who are missing a true No. 1 wide receiver after selling Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason.