Minnesota Vikings players wear 'Free Odell' shirts before Baltimore Ravens game as Cleveland Browns agree to cut troublesome player
NFL players are quickly taking sides in the Odell Beckham Jr. drama as members of the Minnesota Vikings were seen warming up on Sunday wearing 'Free Odell' T-shirts in support of the star NFL wide receiver who was cut by the Cleveland Browns.
Just before the Vikings game with the Baltimore Ravens, wide receiver Justin Jefferson and cornerback Cameron Dantzler were spotted parading around with the T-shirts.
Beckham was released by the Browns on Saturday after three days of negotiations, clearing the way for the former first-round draft pick of the Giants to potentially become a free agent.
Multiple Vikings players showed up for warmups on Sunday in 'Free Odell' shirts before facing the Ravens. That includes Cam Dantzler, a Louisiana native who grew up with Beckham, and Justin Jefferson, an LSU alum
The Browns will officially waive Odell Beckham Jr. on Monday and, if unclaimed by Tuesday, Beckham will be free to sign with any team he wants. Cam Dantzler is pictured
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. pictured last month
Berry and Beckham's agent spent the past few days working through details for the separation, which became inevitable when his father shared a video on social media showing times when Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield didn't throw him the ball.
Beckham, who was excused by the team this week for his father's conduct, signed off on the settlement and will be waived Monday.
'After careful consideration, internal discussions and conversations with Odell and his representation, we've determined that it is in the best interest of all parties involved that Odell no longer play for the Cleveland Browns,' Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement.
'We appreciate all his efforts and contributions while in Cleveland, but we've just reached a point where it is best that we move forward as a team without Odell. We are finalizing the process of granting Odell his release and we wish him well as he continues his career.'
'It´s unfortunate,' Berry added. 'But at the same time there are some situations in the NFL where things just don't quite work out.'
Several Ravens players could be seen wearing the t-shirts as they warmed up for the game
Some of the Free Odell t-shirts are being sold online for around $16
The video posting came hours before the trade deadline, and the Browns explored moving Beckham, whose value has been diminished by his contract, injuries and lack of productivity.
In his three seasons with Cleveland, Beckham played in 29 games and recorded 114 catches for 1,586 yards and seven touchdowns. He only played 13 games over the last two seasons because of injuries.
He arrived with a reputation for being self-centered and disruptive after five years with the Giants, who took him out of LSU with the 12 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
He had more than 1,000 yards in his first season, but suffered a knee injury in 2020 and was out when the Browns ended a long playoff drought, winning their first playoff game in 26 years.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) wears a 'Free Odell' shirt before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Baltimore
There were much deeper issues than Odell Beckham Sr.'s personal attack on Mayfield as the son had requested to be traded several times and in recent weeks showed his frustration at not being more involved in Cleveland's offense.
The Browns and Beckham agreed to eliminate the non-guaranteed two years remaining on his contract after 2021, according to reports.
Once Beckham's waived, he can be claimed by a team that would have to pay the $7.25 million he's owed for the remainder of this season.
If Beckham clears waivers Tuesday at 4 p.m., he'll be become a free agent and the Browns would owe him $4.25 million, saving the club $3 million.
If Beckham clears waivers Tuesday at 4 p.m., he'll be become a free agent and the Browns would owe him $4.25 million, saving the club $3 million
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