Report: Odell wants to finish season with playoff contender
Odell Beckham Jr. doesn't want just any team claiming him off waivers next week.
The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns on Friday, wants to spend the rest of the 2021 campaign with a playoff contender and in a winning environment, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
There could be issues if a team that doesn't fit Beckham's criteria claims him, Schefter adds.
The Browns restructured Beckham's contract before releasing him, and that deal has already been officially approved by the league, meaning the wideout will go on waivers Monday and be claimed by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Any club planning to add Beckham needs to have enough salary-cap space to take on the remaining $7.5 million on his contract. Only nine teams would currently be able to afford Beckham without restructuring other contracts on their roster: the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Washington Football Team.
Here's the current waiver order:
It remains unclear which teams will pursue Beckham but the New Orleans Saints are among the most obvious potential destinations after reportedly trying to trade for him before the deadline.
Beckham suffered a torn ACL in 2020 and made his 2021 season debut in Week 3. He's racked up 17 catches for 232 yards through six appearances this year.
The 2014 first-round pick earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of his first three NFL seasons.
Beckham would be able to choose a team to sign with if he clears waivers.
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