The seemingly inevitable came to pass on Friday, amid reports that the Cleveland Browns were negotiating the release of veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
The oft-injured and polarizing three-time Pro Bowler reportedly sought a trade out of Cleveland prior to the Nov. 2 deadline, but the Browns were said to have been unable to reach an agreement with any suitors.
Beckham was set to go through waivers upon his release. Any claiming team would be on the hook for the balance of his hefty salary, so there was a good chance he would clear waivers, in which case he would be free to sign with any team as a free agent.
Where will Beckham end up in such a scenario?
While no longer the player he once was, Beckham eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards and averaged 14 yards per catch as recently as two seasons ago. In all likelihood, he still has plenty left in the tank.
And if reports are any indication, at least one team thought so, too, and engaged the Browns in trade talks before the deadline. More on that and some other possible destinations for the former LSU star's services.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints reportedly spoke with the Browns regarding Beckham at some point before the trade deadline. Obviously a deal didn't get done, but their apparent interest is telling. New Orleans has some nice complementary wide receivers, but Beckham could potentially step in as the new No. 1 right out of the gate. The Saints, though, might be disinclined now that their top passer, Jameis Winston, is out for the year.
New England Patriots
Like the Saints, the Patriots have a balanced receiving corps that seems to be lacking a clear-cut top dog. Beckham could be that missing piece, and a dynamic playmaker for rookie quarterback Mac Jones to target as he looks to develop his downfield passing game. WEEI's Nick "Fitzy" Stevens says Beckham might be a "great fit" for the Patriots, who have a history of bringing in players such as Beckham -- with mixed results.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills' offense continues to roll along, with QB Josh Allen seemingly choosing a new favorite target every week among wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, and Emmanuel Sanders. Beasley and Sanders are proven, heady veterans, but they're both well on the wrong side of 30 and profile more as slot types. Beckham might not be necessary for this high-octane unit, especially with budding star tight end Dawson Knox looking to return from a hand injury in a couple weeks, but for a team with title hopes such as the Bills, an electrifying big play or two could make the difference when the games matter most in December and January.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes' top targets in the passing game continue to be wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. That's probably not changing any time soon, but in the meantime the Chiefs have struggled to settle on a clear-cut No. 2 wideout for some time. Mecole Hardman has yet to run away with the job, while Sammy Watkins is now in Baltimore, and recently signed lottery ticket Josh Gordon hasn't shown much yet. Mahomes looks to be pressing this year, trying to do too much to compensate for a leaky defense and offense that has looked less dynamic at times. Beckham would help alleviate some of the stress.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers continue to pile up wins behind the duo of head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The legendary QB is out for at least Week 9 after testing positive for Covid-19, but assuming he returns the Packers appear destined for another painful postseason exit without bolstering the receiving corps, which remains painfully thin after superstar All-Pro Davante Adams.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have more pressing issues right now than their depth at wide receiver, following the resignation of disgraced former head coach Jon Gruden and the release of Henry Ruggs III after charges of DUI resulting in death. Still, the Raiders were 5-2 and in first place in their division heading into Week 9. Despite the run of brutal headlines, they awkwardly find themselves in the position of contending. Will they embrace it, or lay low given their present circumstances and Beckham's history of baggage?
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are loaded in the passing game, with Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Van Jefferson at receiver, plus a capable pass-catcher in tight end Tyler Higbee. Still, Sean McVay seems to enjoy stockpiling gamebreakers, having drafted pint-size speedster Tutu Atwell and even giving aging deep threat DeSean Jackson a brief run as the fourth receiver before his recent release. Could Beckham step into an expanded version of Jackson's role?
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