Dan Orlovsky reacts on reports that Odell Bettham Jr. has signed a contract to become a Rams player. (1:30)
The team announced that Odell Beckham Jr. has signed a contract with Los Angeles Rams.
The wide receiver, a free-agent, joins a highly-powered offense led Matthew Stafford. He also adds to the depth chart at this position which already includes Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson.
Beckham was released Tuesday by the Cleveland Browns and became a free agent after clearing waivers.
Sources told ESPN that Beckham also considered the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.
Beckham will replace veteran wide receiver DeSean Johnson in Los Angeles. Jackson was released last week after the trading deadline. Jackson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on Wednesday.
After Los Angeles' trade for Von Miller, the Rams have added Beckham as the second most prominent player this month. Miller posted on his Instagram Story that Beckham was welcomed to Los Angeles by him, writing: "Let’s chase this ring familia !!!!"."
Von Miller and OBJ are looking for a ring in the Rams. pic.twitter.com/Qau2RDNgXk -- Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) November 11, 2021
Beckham was also welcomed by LeBron James (Lakers superstar), one of his best friends. He tweeted: "Welcome in LA my brother @obj! It's GO TIME!
This season, the Rams are the NFL's top offense team. Stafford is the NFL's first passer with 2,771 yards. Kupp is the No. 1 receiver for the team. Kupp is the NFL's No. 1 receiver with 74 receptions, 1,019) receiving yards and touchdown receptions (10).
Beckham was expelled by the Browns from practice last week as negotiations continued between the parties. Beckham had requested to be traded but never made an on-field connection to Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. Beckham was effectively forced to be released last week by his father sharing an 11-minute video via social media of plays in which Mayfield failed him the ball.
Three-time Pro Bowl selection Beckham has 17 catches for 223 yards and zero touchdowns this season. Beckham received 1,035 yards in his first season in Cleveland. However, he sustained a knee injury that ended his season in 2020. In his career, he has reached the 1,000-yard mark five times.
John Johnson, a Browns safety who has spent the past four seasons playing for the Rams was on Zoom with Cleveland reporters when Beckham's signing news broke. Johnson was curious about how OBJ would fit in L.A.
Johnson stated that Johnson believed they had a positive thing going. Johnson agreed. "I don’t know, I just feel, like. From being in L.A. I know for certain the offense runs through Cooper Kupp. Even in the run, pass, and screen games, it kinda runs through Cooper Kupp. Odell is a well-known name, and he will want your attention. It's going to be fascinating.
"Coach Sean McVay is a great coach. He will find a way, but I know I wouldn't like to go there. But we'll see what happens and I wish him all the best.
McVay has been an outstanding manager of the egos, needs and ambitions of their elite players. After he left Jacksonville as a cornerback, Jalen Ramsey was viewed as a potential problem in the locker room. However, he has been a model citizen in Los Angeles and is a clear leader since his arrival in 2019.
On Monday, the Rams (7-2) face off against the San Francisco 49ers (3-3).
This report was contributed by ESPN's Adam Schefter, and The Associated Press.
