Browns, Saints discussed OBJ trade that never materialized?

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Browns, Saints discussed Odell Beckham Jr. trade that never materialized?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/2/21

It appears Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and unsettled wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will need to resolve any differences between the two as soon as possible.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Monday he needs "to do a better job" of getting Beckham involved after the 28-year-old was officially targeted only once in this past Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that dropped Cleveland to 4-4 on the season. Beckham's father generated a ton of buzz Tuesday when he shared a lengthy video on Instagram that offers examples of Mayfield either not throwing to OBJ or missing the former New York Giants star during games, per Jake Trotter of ESPN.

Beckham nevertheless remained on the Cleveland roster through Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, but Kimberley A. Martin of ESPN explained the Browns spoke with the New Orleans Saints about a potential transaction that never materialized:

I’m told there were discussions re: Odell going to the #Saints — but both sides couldn’t agree on a workable deal, given how much OBJ is owed the rest of the year.

Plus, there still is optimism in the #Browns building that OBJ can be a big part of their second-half playoff push
— KimberLEY A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) November 2, 2021

Thus far, Beckham has 17 receptions for 232 yards and zero touchdowns this season.

Beckham is owed slightly over $8 million for the remainder of the campaign, and Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson previously reported that salary could ultimately prevent any team from trading for the three-time Pro Bowl selection before 4 p.m. ET Tuesday. The Browns could elect to release Beckham, but Martin's update suggests he's staying put as Cleveland attempts to earn a playoff berth.

"I think Cleveland might be reduced to just cutting Odell. I'm serious."

— @RealSkipBayless pic.twitter.com/zkGumaYMLt
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) November 2, 2021