CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are letting Odell Beckham Jr. go after a week filled of drama surrounding the wide receiver, the team confirmed Friday.
“After careful consideration, internal discussions and conversations with Odell and his representation, we’ve determined that it is in the best interest of all parties involved that Odell no longer play for the Cleveland Browns,” said Browns EVP of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry. “We appreciate all his efforts and contributions while in Cleveland, but we’ve just reached a point where it is best that we move forward as a team without Odell. We are finalizing the process of granting Odell his release and we wish him well as he continues his career.”
Browns are releasing WR Odell Beckham Jr. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/z6Cw6MAroc
— NFL (@NFL) November 5, 2021
Yahoo Sports first reported the team and Beckham were in contract negotiations Thursday night.
The move follows growing tension within the club that started with a video shared by Beckham’s father on social media. The video highlighted plays in which his son was open and quarterback Baker Mayfield didn’t throw him the ball.
That day, the Browns told Beckham not to report to practice. He was also excused Wednesday and Thursday.
Mayfield said he was caught off guard by the video, which was released hours before the NFL trade deadline.
“I’ve had conversations with his dad before, man to man, face to face,” Mayfield said. “I was pretty surprised by the video and the intentions and the feelings behind it. I’d be lying if I said otherwise. But hurt? Nah, I’m good. I’ll be all right.”
Beckham has had only two 100-yard games in 2 1/2 seasons with Cleveland. When he was hurt and sidelined last year with a knee injury, Mayfield played his best, the Browns ended their playoff drought and won in the playoffs for the first time since 1994.
What’s unknown is where Beckham will go.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
