The NFL is buzzing right now with the news of Odell Beckham Jr. being released by the Cleveland Browns. And even if a team could be tempted to pick him up from waivers, the most likely scenario is that the OBJ free agency will start right now.
Beckham Jr. and Baker Mayfield could never get on the same page and his frustration grew by the week. He was rarely involved in Kevin Stefanki’s offense and it just seems like they deliberately refused to make the most of his talents.
Odell Beckham Jr released: Best fits
So, let’s take a look at all the potential Odell Beckham free agent destinations.
What team could make the best pitch for him? What are the best OBJ fits? Let’s break it down.
5. Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders just lost Henry Ruggs III over a tragic incident that cost a woman and her dog their lives. They cut ties with the Alabama product and now have a strong vacancy to fill as they look to maintain their place atop the AFC West division.
Derek Carr has been playing pretty well all season long and the Raiders’ passing offense has been one of the best in the league, even despite Darren Waller‘s down year. The Raiders need a PR turnaround right now after a scandal-riddled season, and the Sin City seems to fit OBJ’s personality like a glove.
4. Saints
Odell Beckham Jr. left the Cleveland Browns because of Baker Mayfield so chances are that he might not be that interested in joining a team with huge doubts at the quarterback position as well. Jameis Winston will miss the season and Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill will compete for the starting job.
But there’s an obvious need at the Saints with Michael Thomas out for the season, and OBJ has ties to the city from his days at Louisiana State University.
Also, Sean Payton‘s team could still make a run at the division after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
3. 49ers
Once again, the shaky quarterback situation could make Odell Beckham Jr. doubt joining this team. Jimmy Garoppolo hasn’t exactly been lights out and Trey Lance looks far from ready, so he may not want to join the San Francisco 49ers.
Then again, the Niners are one of the most popular teams in the league, and a passing attack featuring him, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle could give their rivals a lot of trouble. Even if Jimmy Garoppolo continues to be a game-manager at best.
2. Patriots
The New England Patriots have relied mostly on their defense and the rushing attack throughout the season. Their offense has been too conservative at times but Mac Jones has executed very well thus far, leading them to a 4-4 record.
Bill Belichick has made a living out of turning disgruntled players into Super Bowl champions in the past, and the Patriots will always be an attractive destination for stars on a revenge tour.
The Pats lack a big-play threat on their receiving corps, so they might as well add one of the best there is.
1. Packers
Imagine what one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time could do with not one but two top-notch receivers. Aaron Rodgers has picked apart rival teams with Davante Adams as his only legit pass-catching weapon, so having OBJ lining up next to him would be a nightmare for the league.
This might as well be Rodgers’ final year with the Packers so it’s time for them to be aggressive and give him as many weapons as they can.
Adding an athletic freak like Odell Beckham Jr. would make them even a bigger threat to win the Super Bowl. This is one of the best OBJ fits, if not the best.