It’s very rare that a top-level talent becomes a free agent in the middle of the season. However, due to issues with fit and chemistry, former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is in precisely that situation.
Beckham was waived by the Browns on Monday and cleared waivers on Tuesday, meaning he can now sign with any team. There have been plenty of rumors as to where he might end up, including a potential union with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders recently added DeSean Jackson to their receiving core after the release of Henry Ruggs, but adding Beckham could have provided another excellent weapon for Derek Carr.
Reportedly, however, the Beckham-to-Vegas rumors have died about as quickly as they were alive, as the Raiders are rumored to be out of the sweepstakes, according to Vic Tafur via Mitchell Renz:
The Raiders will not sign Odell Beckham Jr. per @VicTafur
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) November 10, 2021
While Beckham has not made a final decision yet, the reports are that he is down to a final three of the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and Kansas City Chiefs. All three of these teams would benefit from a player of his caliber.
For the Raiders — if they cannot land him — it would be better that he winds up with the Packers or Saints. While the Chiefs have looked vulnerable all season long, it would be terrifying to see Beckham, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce catching passes from Patrick Mahomes.
With the AFC West in a complete deadlock — all four teams separated by 0.5 games — any additional fuel thrown into the Chiefs would be hard to overcome. Meanwhile, the Packers and Saints would love to boost their own chances, getting Aaron Rodgers another weapon or giving New Orleans a bonafide No. 1 while Michael Thomas sits out with injury.
Darren Waller: ‘Shocking’ what Raiders have dealt with
It has been a difficult season for the Raiders, even though their 5-3 record would suggest some success. Star tight end Darren Waller admitted that it has been shocking to see all the things the Raiders have had to deal with in the first half of the season.
