Report: Saints, Browns discussed Beckham trade

The New Orleans Saints discussed an Odell Beckham Jr. trade with the Cleveland Browns but couldn't come to terms before Tuesday's deadline, reports ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin.

Money reportedly became a hurdle for the cap-strapped Saints. Beckham is owed the remainder of his $14.5-million base salary.

Trade speculation involving Beckham ramped up in the hours leading up to the deadline after his father criticized Baker Mayfield repeatedly on social media. NBA superstar LeBron James tweeted "#FreeOBJ," adding fuel to the fire.

The Saints went into the deadline with a clear need for another wide receiver, even though Michael Thomas is expected to return from injury in the coming weeks. A deal for Beckham would have brought the 28-year-old back to his home state.

Beckham's production has fallen off drastically over his three years in Cleveland, though a torn ACL limited him to seven appearances in 2020. The LSU product was hailed as one of the NFL's best receivers through his first five seasons with the New York Giants.

Beckham is on the books for $13.75 million in 2022, but the Browns could release him in the offseason for nothing since none of the money is guaranteed.