NFL

These are the teams Odell Beckham prefers with free-agency decision coming

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Social Links for Jeremy Layton
Published Nov. 10, 2021, 12:55 p.m. ET

Odell Beckham Jr. is starting to narrow down his choices.

The former Browns wide receiver prefers to play for the Packers, Saints and Chiefs, according to ESPN. Pro Football Talk reported that the Patriots are “definitely in” on the Beckham sweepstakes. It was previously reported that he wanted to play for a contender.

Beckham cleared waivers on Tuesday, meaning he is now a free agent for the first time in his career. He should have final decision on where he ends up playing – provided the other team is interested.

Beckham is coming off a dramatic week in which his father, Odell Beckham Sr., posted a video on Instagram last Tuesday of his son apparently getting open and Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield not throwing him the ball. The wide receiver was excused from practice, then released on Friday.

Should the Packers sign him, he would arguably be going to an even more dramatic situation than with the Browns. Aaron Rodgers has been a lightning rod of criticism since his COVID-19 diagnosis, and the revelation that he misled the public about being vaccinated.

Odell Beckham warms up before a Browns game
Odell Beckham warms up before a Browns game Getty Images

The Packers have a thin wide receiver group outside of Davante Adams, and could surely use the former Pro Bowler’s help as they chase a Super Bowl. The finances would be a potential holdup – the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that the team has offered Beckham the veteran minimum, as they have yet to extend Adams.

The Saints have spent the entire season without a true WR1. Michael Thomas announced recently that he will miss the entire season season as he rehabs from an injury. The quarterback situation is unsettled, though, with either Trevor Siemian or Taysom Hill the starter after Jameis Winston tore his ACL.

The Chiefs have been looking for a third pass-catching option behind Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, and Beckham could theoretically help a suddenly struggling Kansas City offense get back to doing what it does best.

The Patriots remain lacking a star receiver to help the growth of rookie quarterback Mac Jones.