The recent release of Odell Beckham Jr. from the Cleveland Browns has left many fans and analysts wondering about the financial implications for the team. One of the most common questions being asked is whether the Browns are still required to pay OBJ now that he is no longer a part of the team.
The answer to this question lies in the specifics of Beckham's contract with the Browns. According to reports, Beckham was under a five-year, $90 million contract with the Browns, with $65 million guaranteed. However, as with most NFL contracts, the devil is in the details.
In the case of OBJ's contract, it is important to consider whether he was released with a post-June 1 designation or before. If Beckham was released with a post-June 1 designation, the Browns would be able to spread out the dead money over two years, thus softening the blow on their salary cap for the current year. In this scenario, the Browns would still owe Beckham the guaranteed money, but the timing of the payment may be adjusted.
On the other hand, if Beckham was released before the post-June 1 deadline, the Browns would absorb the entire dead money hit in the current year, potentially impacting their salary cap space. However, they would also be free from any future financial obligations to Beckham, as his guaranteed money would have already been paid out in previous years.
Another factor to consider is whether there were any offset language in Beckham's contract. Offset language allows teams to reduce the amount of money owed to a player if they sign with another team after being released. If OBJ signs with another team and his new contract includes offset language, the amount owed to him by the Browns would be reduced by the amount of his new deal.
In conclusion, while the specifics of Odell Beckham Jr.'s contract and the circumstances of his release from the Cleveland Browns will ultimately determine the team's financial obligations, it is clear that the situation is not as straightforward as it may seem. The timing of the release, the presence of offset language, and the post-June 1 designation all play a crucial role in determining whether the Browns still have to pay OBJ. As the saga unfolds, fans and analysts will be eagerly awaiting the resolution of this financial controversy.
