Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns.
In a highly publicized divorce, Cleveland put former Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on waivers. Just like Seattle Seahawks fans, supporters of other teams are wondering what OBJ could do if he was on their roster.
A quick look at his body of work shows OBJ can put up some big numbers. In seven-and-a-half NFL seasons, Beckham has 504 receptions for 7,064 yards and 51 touchdowns. He’s broken 1,000 yards in a season five times, most recently in 2019. And then there are his highlight-reel catches.
Is he a legitimate candidate to join the Seahawks? When asked that by the media at his Monday press conference, Coach Pete Carroll played coy. Pacific Northwest Sports contributors Chris Phillips and Andrew Elderbaum debate a union of OBJ and the Seattle Seahawks.
CP: Alright, enlighten me on this matter. Odell Beckham Jr. appears likely to clear waivers on Tuesday; after that, any team will be able to sign him. The team that signs him means they passed over once already, so why would the team not get him now? I don’t think anything would change financially. So, why pass on him only to sign him?
AE: They pass because he refused to agree to adjust his contract. So whoever claims him is on the hook for $8M against the cap. If he clears waivers, they can sign him to the (veteran) minimum, and Cleveland is responsible for the offset.
He refused to rework his contract, but OBJ agreed to void the last two years; however, he would not take less money in 2021. This move ensured he could choose his new team unless someone shocks the world and claims him on waivers.
AE: It would be a nightmare. He complained about targets in Cleveland. With Seattle running the ball as much as they do, not to mention splitting targets with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. It would not go well. Add in the strong likelihood of the season imploding, and forget gasoline; adding him would be like pouring napalm on the fire.
CP: Why? It makes no sense. I get he hasn’t been able to play with an elite quarterback in his career. Although to be fair, Eli Manning wasn’t that far removed from being one of the top quarterbacks in the league when the two played together in New York.
CP: OBJ wasn’t happy in Cleveland for the reasons you stated. Going to Seattle doesn’t change that. It can be argued (the Seattle Seahawks) is a worse sitch for him.
On paper, OBJ, Metcalf, and Lockett playing for the same team is scary. But Beckham will be fighting for at least five targets a game in a run-first and run-second offense.
Cleveland wanted to run the ball often, but not to the point the Seahawks do. The only reason I see Seattle signing OBJ is to appease Russell Wilson. As we’ve stated numerous times here, this offense looks the exact same even though they changed offensive coordinators.
CP: Add in that this season appears to be closer to ending with a top 15 pick (that goes to the Jets), and maybe Russ really says “I want out” at the end of the year.
By bringing in Beckham, management can say, “Hey, we got you a new OC, and another WR like you wanted. Give us one more year. We’ll have more add some more talent to the roster. With you and this offense, we’re only a couple of pieces away from SB contention.”
AE: I guess the Seahawks could do that. But do they really want to tie up cap space on a third receiver when their offensive line and secondary need help and the team has limited draft capital?
The Seattle Seahawks will finally have some cap space next year. How much of it do they want to pay Beckham? If I’m him, I want to go to Green Bay or Kansas City for eight games and hope it clicks and up my value for a new deal next year. Going to Seattle and putting up 4 catches for 35 yards a game isn’t going to do that. Maybe he’s leaking this for leverage with other teams. Antonio Brown redux.
CP: Agree. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense for OBJ to join Seattle.
AE: Making sense has never really been his strong suit, so who knows. I’m betting he ends up in New Orleans or KC. Baltimore is a dark horse if coach John Harbaugh wants to ride that tiger. Beckham would actually be exactly what the Ravens’ offense needs.
CP: And that is why being a GM is so damn difficult…the talent is there, no question, but what goes on between the ears is something a GM can’t always scout/recognize. It’s why guys like OBJ and Josh Gordon keep getting deals (I’m only comparing Gordon and OBJ to the fact they have NFL talent and can help a team win).
Do you think the Seattle Seahawks should sign Odell Beckham Jr.? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.