Report: Odell Beckham Jr. wants to sign with contender, could cause ‘issues’ if claimed by wrong NFL team

After mutually agreeing to part ways with the Cleveland Browns, star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. hits waivers on Monday and can be claimed by any team before 4 p.m. EST. However, the three-time Pro Bowl selection is only interested in a specific situation.

The 29-year-old’s tenure in Cleveland ended unceremoniously. While the two sides both wanted to part ways, it came after Beckham Jr. requested a trade multiple times, his father publicly took shots at Baker Mayfield and the team dismissed him from the facility.

Beckham Jr. and the Browns worked toward a resolution this week when a trade didn’t materialize. With a restructured contract approved by the NFL and NFL Players Association, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the star wideout is seeking a specific outcome on waivers Monday.

According to ESPN, Beckham Jr. wants to join a playoff contender to finish out the season. In his mind, a competitive atmosphere and a winning environment will help him be happy and ensure that he can be productive with his new team.

With the NFL trade deadline in the review mirror, all players waived by their teams must go through the waiver wire. The order is determined by the NFL standings, giving clubs like the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars the first shot at landing him.

Where will Odell Beckham Jr. land?

Beckham would be a quality addition for any NFL team, especially since he is under contract through the 2022 season, but there is also a risk if a sub-.500 team adds him on the waiver wire. According to Schefter, there “could be potential issues” if a team that does not fit Beckham’s criteria claims him.

Contenders like the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers could all be appealing to Beckham. A lot needs to go right for him to land with one of those clubs, and his restructured contract makes it more palatable for another team to add him.

One potential landing spot is worth keeping an eye on. Entering Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks have the ninth-best waiver spot, and they are in the playoff picture. With Russell Wilson expected to return in Week 10 and Seattle holding enough cap room to add Beckham outright, it could be a nice fit for both sides.