Odell Beckham wanted his freedom, and the Browns wanted some of their money back.
That is why it took so long to negotiate his release. The one thing that Beckham didn’t want is to be claimed on waivers by a trash team and have them hold his rights for the next two years.
While he had no more guaranteed money, he did have two more years on his contract.
So, the first thing he and the Browns agreed on was to void the last two years of his contract.
The second thing was the Browns wanted to save all or some of the money they owed Beckham.
Beckham was owed $8+ million of his 2021 salary. If everything stayed the status quo, if Beckham passed through waivers, the Browns would have to pay him all his $7.25 million. The Browns wanted no part of that.
The compromise they came up with was to convert $3 million of the $7.25 million into a roster bonus. What that means is if Beckham is claimed, the new team would be responsible for the $3 million roster bonus and the $4.25 million salary. Meaning the Browns would owe nothing.
If Beckham isn’t claimed since he technically won’t be on the Browns roster, they will only have to pay Beckham the $4.25 million and save $3 million.
It seems like a win-win for everyone, assuming if Beckham becomes a free agent, he can find his new team to pay him $3 million to finish the season.
He will likely pass through waivers, and a team will take a flier on him for the rest of the season.
There is a low risk/high reward situation. If it doesn’t work out, there was a minimum financial commitment, and you aren’t on the hook for any more money.
For Beckham, even if he bombs with a new team, he will be a free agent in the offseason and can pick a new franchise to start with.
Flip the pages to see all the time Beckham was open, and Baker Mayfield missed him.