The Browns officially waived Odell Beckham Jr. on Monday afternoon, per the league wire. Now, the rest of the league has a 24-hour window to claim the wide receiver. If he goes unclaimed — a possibility thanks to his remaining $7.25MM in salary for 2021 — he’ll be free to sign with any club of his choosing.
[RELATED: Saints Won’t Claim OBJ]
The league’s waiver priority is determined by the inverse of the rankings. With the worst going first, the Lions will have the first opportunity to claim Beckham. However, that won’t be happening, according to head coach Dan Campbell (Twitter link via Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com).
Beckham is hoping to land with the Saints, 49ers, or Seahawks. The Saints won’t enter a claim for him either, due to cap issues, but they could potentially sign him if he clears the wire.
“No, it’s impossible for us to put a claim in on [Beckham],” Payton said. “You just have to look at the salary cap space. And if we were going to put in a claim, it wouldn’t be something we discuss. I know it makes hit-worthy news.”
Beckham reworked his Browns deal before he was cut, making him a 2022 free agent instead of a 2024 UFA. If he’s claimed, his salary will remain the same. If he goes unclaimed, the Browns will only be on the hook for $4.25MM of that salary.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.