The Browns have been connected to Odell Beckham Jr. since his days in college, but they’ve recently decided to cut ties with the wide receiver after he mishandled a pass during a recent practice session. The move would open up chances for Michael Thomas’s replacement and give him an opportunity to come back home and play for the Saints.
The “Browns Cutting Ties with Odell Beckham Jr.” would open the door for a new New Orleans homecoming for Michael Thomas’ replacement. The Saints have been interested in drafting Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward, and if they can get him at pick 12, it will be a homecoming of sorts.
The Cleveland Browns have put themselves in a hazardous position, but it is all their own. Baker Mayfield’s throw to Odell Beckham Jr. did not look to please him. The Browns’ front staff, on the other hand, was unable to move the dissatisfied wide receiver before the NFL trade deadline. It’s still possible that OBJ will be cut. If that occurs, the New Orleans Saints should take advantage of the situation to replace Michael Thomas.
The Browns and Odell Beckham Jr. are getting closer to a divorce.
After the 2018 season, the Cleveland Browns acquired Odell Beckham Jr. and defensive end Olivier Vernon from the New York Giants. The Giants got guard Kevin Zeitler, safety Jabrill Peppers, and two draft selections in return.
The Browns were the early beneficiaries of the move, particularly following OBJ’s 1,000-yard season in 2019. Beckham Jr.’s relationship with the organization, though, has subsequently worsened.
The relationship, or lack thereof, between OBJ and quarterback Baker Mayfield is right in the midst of all the turmoil. Injuries have plagued the former LSU star, prompting him to lose significant time. When Beckham Jr. is on the field, though, he has had trouble re-establishing chemistry with Mayfield.
The concerns are now beginning to boil over. The front office was unable to reach an agreement before the deadline, leaving OBJ in Cleveland.
Odell Beckham Sr. made headlines after releasing a video showing OBJ being open and Mayfield failing to deliver the ball to him. He feels it was premeditated, despite Mayfield’s denial.
According to ESPN, Beckham Jr. was excused from practice two days in a row by head coach Kevin Stefanski. This event may indicate that the former Pro Bowler has played his last game for the Browns.
If OBJ is released by Cleveland, the Saints should pursue him.
Odell Beckham Jr. of the Cleveland Browns squares up against the Minnesota Vikings | Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ; Wide receiver Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints plays against the Carolina Panthers | Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
While there have been no confirmed rumors of the Cleveland Browns releasing Odell Beckham Jr., it is a possibility. Cutting ties with the wideout and the Browns organization would pave the way for a homecoming in New Orleans.
Beckham Jr. attended Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was born and reared. He was a standout athlete on the team, playing wide receiver and cornerback. On the recruiting circuit, he made a reputation for himself. He was regarded as a four-star talent by 247 Sports.
Beckham Jr. had interest from a number of prominent college football institutions before committing to LSU. In Baton Rouge, he and close buddy Jarvis Landry worked their magic, forming one of college football’s most explosive offenses.
The chance to play in front of a home crowd at the Caesars Superdome may be just what OBJ needs to resurrect his career.
Sean Payton and the Saints would be smart to pursue Beckham Jr. with Michael Thomas out for the whole 2021 season.
The Saints are coming off an upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and could use another playmaker in their postseason drive.
In New Orleans, the dissatisfied wideout might take over for Michael Thomas.
After sustaining an ankle injury, Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas will miss the rest of the season.
November 3, 2021 — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
Michael Thomas was projected to play for the New Orleans Saints in the second half of the 2021 season, but that is no longer the case.
Thomas, like OBJ, had a fallout with the Saints organization this summer. The former Ohio State player was chastised for reportedly postponing surgery to fix numerous ligaments in his ankle.
Thomas has also been known to get into fights with his Saints teammates in the past. Even if he is able to return to Pro Bowl form, he may not be able to play in New Orleans.
Bringing in Odell Beckham Jr. would make it simpler for the Saints’ front staff to let Thomas go. From a skill standpoint, both guys are No. 1 wideouts who want the ball, therefore they’re unlikely to get along.
The Saints’ offense would immediately benefit from the addition of OBJ. Currently, the unit lacks a credible verified receiving threat. Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith seem to be more comfortable in supporting roles than in main parts.
That’s where Beckham Jr. enters the picture. When healthy, he has the potential to be one of the most dynamic playmakers on the field. In the aftermath of Jameis Winston’s injury, his presence would relieve some of the strain on Alvin Kamara.
The only concern is who will throw the ball to him, but Sean Payton should be able to make it work regardless of who is under center.
OBJ in New Orleans seems like a winning combination.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
RELATED: The Browns’ Irrational Refusal to Trade Odell Beckham Jr. Is Making Way for an Unexpected Second-Half Hero
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