Lamar Jackson sent a message to Ravens fans eager about Odell Beckham Jr.’s release from the Browns on Friday.
“I can’t do nothing for y’all @ the @ravens not meeee (two rolling on the floor laughing emojis). I can’t do nothing,” the quarterback tweeted, seemingly in response to Ravens fans recruiting the veteran wide receiver.
The Browns confirmed Friday — Beckham’s 29th birthday — that the team was releasing him. He will hit waivers, where every team will have a chance to claim him – possibly including the Ravens.
If Beckham Jr. clears waivers, teams will be able to sign him as a free agent. The former Giants star has not yet publicly addressed his situation in Cleveland or his release.
Beckham’s release came after he was excused from two consecutive practices this week, though Cleveland kept him past the trade deadline on Tuesday. Hours before the deadline, Beckham Jr.’s father shared a video to Instagram showing highlights of quarterback Baker Mayfield not targeting his son, using the hashtag “hurt.”
Should the Ravens acquire Beckham, he could instantly step into a prominent role, though receiver Sammy Watkins returned to practice Thursday for the first time since injuring his thigh in a Week 5 win over the Colts.
The 5-2 Ravens activated rookie Rashod Bateman from injured reserve after Watkins’ injury, and have third-year wide receiver Marquise Brown, who’s having a stellar season. But Jackson and Co. could use a big-play threat like Beckham to strengthen the offense.
Beckham Jr. returned this season from a torn ACL that cut his 2020 campaign short. In six games this season, he has 17 catches on 34 targets for 232 yards and two carries for 14 yards. He added one catch for 6 yards in Sunday’s 15-10 loss to Steelers.