Yet another star of the NFL makes his way to Los Angeles in hopes of aiding a Super Bowl run.
Odell Beckham Jr. was released by the Cleveland Browns on November 8th following posts made by his father on social media in regards to his usage in the Browns offense. A few days before being waived, OBJ was excused from Browns practice and that ultimately led to his release. Ultimately that didn't help Beckham's case for finding a new team as he would tread the free agent waters for a few days. With as young and talented as he is, it isn't a good look.
After ongoing rumors of possibly being signed by the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints or Green Bay Packers, just moments after a Sean McVay press conference, it was announced on November 11th by Adam Schefter that OBJ would in fact become a Ram. He joins an absolute stacked and thriving wide receiver room in L.A. with the likes of Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Van Jefferson. The wideout signed a one year $1.25 million dollar contract, including a $500,000 signing bonus. It has the looks of a deal in which something can be figured out more long-term down the road, if he's successful with his new team.
Beckham has only 232 yards and zero touchdowns in his six games with the Browns this season. He also hadn't gone over 100 yards receiving in a single game. His role as a Ram will be interesting to distinguish. He had his troubles with Browns QB Baker Mayfield getting him the ball in that Cleveland offense, and now he's a part of a team with the best wide receiver in football in Kupp. I don't see his volume improving at this point. Maybe he'll get in for a few scores here and there in this offense, but overall I don't sense a major impact coming from Beckham.
In my opinion, the best thing he can offer is being involved in empty set pass plays and exploit mismatches against opposing secondaries. He's an incredible route runner and has great hands. Beckham will still definitely have to be game-planned against, but look for Kupp's role to grow even bigger in this offense if OBJ gets his due attention in taking defenders away from Kupp, giving Matthew Stafford plenty of quick, excellent route running targets as he continues to pitch an MVP caliber season.
In week 10, The Rams take on the 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Monday Night Football. I don't expect to see Beckham suited up for MNF, though Sean McVay says there is a chance he might play. After the week 11 bye, a big time NFC Divisional round rematch will take place between the Rams and Packers at Lambeau Field in icy Green Bay. That matchup could be an enormous spot for OBJ to take the field for the first time as a Ram as they push all their chips to the center of the table for a Super Bowl push.
Excited to see this guy along with Von play tonight! It will be interesting at the very least and fairly telling. Hopefully OBJ will realize that sometimes the best role you can take on, is one of letting someone else shine. That is what it means to be part of a team and if he is a baby this time too maybe he can play golf or something instead :-)
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