Odell Beckham Jr Rumors: Steelers, Bengals Among Teams With Space To Sign Browns’ WR If Released

Odell Beckham Jr. might’ve played his last game with the Cleveland Browns. If the wide receiver is released, only a handful of teams would have the ability to sign him for the 2021 NFL season.

Because the trade deadline has passed, Beckham would hit waivers before becoming an outright free agent. Only teams with enough space to fit the remainder of Beckham’s salary under the salary cap would be allowed to claim him.

Beckham is owed $8.05 million this year. Nine teams can afford to pay the receiver without creating more cap space. None of the teams with enough salary-cap space are in first place. Four are in the playoff picture at the start of Week 9.

That includes a pair of rivals in Cleveland’s division. The Pittsburgh Steelers have $10.2 million in cap space, while the Cincinnati Bengals have $8.5 million to spare.

Both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati currently own wild-card spots and sit ahead of the Browns in the AFC North. Neither team seems like a strong fit for Beckham, considering they currently have enough depth at receiver.

The Carolina Panthers are the NFC's No. 7 seed and have $11.1 million in cap space. The Los Angeles Chargers have $10.3 million in cap space.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the most money to spend with nearly $28 million in cap space. The Philadelphia Eagles are second with $20.9 million. Jacksonville is one of the NFL’s worst teams. Philadelphia is in second place in the NFC East but an unlikely playoff contender.

If Beckham is released and no team decides to pick up his contract on waivers, the receiver can choose any destination as a free agent. In that case, the New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders have been speculated as possible fits for the 28-year-old.

Despite rumors that Beckham might be dealt, Cleveland held onto the three-time Pro Bowler. Now, several reports suggest that the relationship between Beckham and the Browns is unlikely to be salvaged.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has reportedly told his players that Beckham is no longer part of the team. The news comes a day after the receiver’s father made headlines by sharing a lengthy video showing instances in which quarterback Baker Mayfield failed to connect with an open Beckham.

Beckham was considered to be one of the league’s best receivers during his five seasons with the New York Giants. In three seasons with Cleveland, Beckham is only averaging 54.7 receiving yards per game.

In six games this season, Beckham has 17 receptions for 232 yards and no touchdowns. Beckham only has three catches for 29 yards in the last two games.