Even after the NFL trade deadline came and went without Odell Beckham Jr. being relocated from Cleveland, his future with the Browns remains murky as ever.
NFL reporter Josina Anderson tweeted that Beckham Jr. “has been told he’s excused from practice (Wednesday), per league source. Additionally, it is my understanding that OBJ was ready to attend practice per usual.”
Yahoo Sports added that the decision for Beckham Jr. not to practice Wednesday was “team-related”.
Tuesday was a day full of antics that appeared orchestrated on Beckham Jr.’s behalf. First, his father shared a video on Instagram documenting all the times Beckham was open and not thrown to by Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. Then, his friend, Lakers superstar and Ohio native LeBron James, tweeted for the Browns to #FreeOBJ.
Furthermore, Beckham Jr. has been unproductive on the field this season in his return from a torn ACL In six games, Beckham Jr. has 17 catches for 232 yards. He has zero touchdowns.
While perhaps the situation can somehow be salvaged, the two sides appear headed for a split. It seems clear no team is interested in parting with significant assets to trade for Beckham Jr. ESPN reported that the Saints had “discussions” that did not lead to a deal.