Did Browns make it easier for OBJ to hit free agency?

The Browns and Odell Beckham Jr. are finalizing their divorce. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Did Browns make it easier for Odell Beckham Jr. to hit free agency?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/5/21

The much-publicized breakup between the Cleveland Browns and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was announced earlier on Friday but, similar to a real divorce, will take some time to become official. Browns general manager and executive vice president of football operations Andrew Berry previously confirmed the paperwork hadn't been finalized, but it appears that's no longer the case.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Beckham will be placed on waivers Monday, and, thus, can be claimed Tuesday at 4 p.m., pending the NFL Players Association's approval of the settlement between OBJ and the Browns.

Per Schefter, the Browns removed the final two years of Beckham's contract, meaning the three-time Pro Bowl selection celebrating his 29th birthday Friday can hit free agency after the season. The Browns also made it so that any team that claims Beckham will be on the hook for $7.25 million of salary through the rest of the campaign.

As Albert Breer of MMQB points out, Cleveland increased the likelihood Beckham clears waivers and will be able to join any team he wants next week:

Browns did Beckham a huge solid here. Could’ve made it much easier for teams to claim him. That number at least gives him a shot to clear waivers. https://t.co/UXEEuQjDlx
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 5, 2021

"I do want to say that Odell, he is a good person who brought really a special energy in the building and developed a lot of really strong relationships with teammates, staff members and coaches," Berry said during his comments on Friday. "We really do want all parties to kind of emerge from this successfully."

Of course, this development could lead to Beckham signing with any division rival among the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers or Cincinnati Bengals.

"We are going to face talented guys every week," Berry explained about that possibility. "The reality is once all of that is finalized, we wish him success, and we are going to focus on our next opponent."

According to Schefter, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are one of nine teams that currently have enough cap space to claim Beckham.

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