Cleveland Browns Release Odell Beckham Jr. on His Birthday

After weeks of trade rumors, the Cleveland Browns released Odell Beckham Jr earlier today, which happens to be his birthday.

The team announced their plan to release the 29-year-old wide receiver as both sides work to negotiate the financial particulars.

The Browns want to turn his remaining $8 million salary into a base salary, which could make it easier for another team to claim him.

The idea is meant to encourage a team lower in the waiver order to grab him and offset the money owed to the team.

“After careful consideration, internal discussions and conversations with Odell and his representation, we’ve determined that it is in the best interest of all parties involved that Odell no longer play for the Cleveland Browns,” Browns GM Andrew Berry said in a statement.

“We appreciate all his efforts and contributions while in Cleveland, but we’ve just reached a point where it is best that we move forward as a team without Odell. We are finalizing the process of granting Odell his release and we wish him well as he continues his career,” the statement continued.

Beckham will not clear waivers until Monday at 4 p.m.