The Cleveland Browns promise of better days have disappointed in countless ways this season. The dysfunction has turned one of the game’s most exciting and undeniable talents into a pedestrian player.
Odell Beckham Jr. has gone from a thriving receiver to an afterthought in head coach Freddie Kitchens’ offensive scheme and quarterback Baker Mayfield’s progressions.
OBJ's future
It didn't come as a surprise when Beckham gave an open-ended answer when asked about playing in Cleveland again next season.
“No one knows what the future holds, like tomorrow,” Beckham said. “ ... I couldn't sit here and tell you whether I'm going to be here, want to be here, don't want to be here. This is exactly where I'm at now, and I wouldn't rather be anywhere else,” he added.
Beckham isn't exactly demanding his way out of town but he doesn't seem excited to return to Cleveland next season.
“No one knows what the future holds, like tomorrow,” Beckham said. “ ... I couldn't sit here and tell you whether I'm going to be here, want to be here, don't want to be here. This is exactly where I'm at now, and I wouldn't rather be anywhere else,” he added.
Beckham isn't exactly demanding his way out of town but he doesn't seem excited to return to Cleveland next season.
Beckham’s dramatic drop in production in Cleveland
Beckham came off a three-catch game in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He tallied 29 yards on six targets as Cleveland slammed the door shut on its playoff hopes.Sunday marked the seventh time in 12 games this season that Beckham had fewer than 10 targets. It was the 10th time he was held below 100 yards and the 10th time he’s been held out of the end zone. It was also the third game this season he’s been held in the 20s in receiving yardage.
Beckham's 2017 season with the New York Giants used to be his lowest average but he only played four games due to a broken ankle. He never averaged fewer than 85.4 yards per game with them. This year, he’s averaging 67.1 with the Browns.
Mayfield and Beckham not jiving
Beckham has seen a drop of 2.5 targets in his average from 10.5 targets per game in New York to 8.5 per game in Cleveland.Jarvis Landry has had more catches, yards and touchdowns than Beckham. Landry has been more reliable for Mayfield in terms of positioning and receiving. That is considering how he isn't the type to be a No. 1 option over Beckham.
Mayfield insisted in November that he’ll “force-feed” Beckham the ball but hasn't done it yet. It's also because looking Beckham’s way has not guaranteed the ball to find its target with accuracy.
Beckham possible tied with Cleveland through 2023
Beckham is under contract through the 2023 season after signing a five-year $90 deal with the Giants last season. The bulk of the guaranteed money in the deal however has already been paid.He still presents a lot of talent in a perfect scenario. Cleveland sent the Giants first- and third-round draft picks and safety Jabrill Peppers to acquire him during the offseason.
Letting go of Beckham will give them total losses which wouldn't be that feasible even with the little things he could give on his bad days.
“In the offseason everything will figure itself out," Beckham said. “Catch me in the offseason. We’ll see what happens,” he concluded.
Will Odell Beckham Jr. find his place in Cleveland? Will he leave in the offseason? Tell us your thoughts.
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