When Odell Beckham Jr. joined the Cleveland Browns, it was seen as an escape from the New York Giants’ paltry passing attack. While OBJ had secured himself firmly into the elite NFL receiver conversation, the Browns flashy new additions of #1 overall pick Baker Mayfield and fellow receiver Jarvis Landry had many believing Cleveland would heighten Beckham Jr.’s ceiling.
It… hasn’t worked out like that.
Aside from the injuries that have plagued his time with the Browns, OBJ has looked like a shadow of his former dominant self. He’s dropped balls that you would never expect him to in New York, and his usage has been way lower for a guy that previously demanded top-end target share.
Maybe the latter isn’t exactly his fault, though?
OBJ’s father, Odell Sr., released a video this week that highlights Beckham Jr.’s apparent separation over four weeks of this NFL season. While this may seem like a petty parental move, the footage does show quite a bit of opportunity created by OBJ’s separation, where he was subsequently either missed or not even looked at.
Regardless of whether or not Baker Mayfield is ruining OBJ’s season (which, if the video comments mean anything, is what seems to be a growing belief among fans watching the video), the Browns CERTAINLY did not appreciate the stunt. On Wednesday, OBJ was a non-participant in Browns practice with what was officially listed as a “Shoulder/non-injury related matter” on the pre-practice report.
After that, more reports began coming out, and some are firmly under the impression that OBJ has played his last down with the Browns.
While stories of discontent are nothing new for OBJ, it’s also being reported that the 28-year-old is handling things well.
Maybe he sees this as an opportunity to get out of Cleveland, in which case a positive attitude may help lure other teams to his services.
This is far from over.
