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Browns' John Johnson Questions Odell Beckham Jr. to Rams: I Don't Know How That Works

Tim Daniels

Cleveland Browns safety John Johnson III questioned how wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will fit in the Los Angeles Rams' offense.

Beckham, who signed with the Rams after being released by the Browns, will face plenty of competition for targets from Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Van Jefferson and Tyler Higbee.

"I don't know how that's going to work," Johnson told reporters Thursday. "... I just feel like they had a good thing going, like a complete offense. From being in L.A., I know for a fact the offense runs through Cooper Kupp. Even in the run game, the pass game, the screen game, it kind of runs through Cooper Kupp. Obviously, Odell's a big name. He's going to want that attention as well. So it'll be interesting."

Beckham generated ample interest on the free-agent market. The Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks were also in contact with the three-time Pro Bowler, per ESPN.

His decision to join the Rams came as a bit of a surprise because of the team's pass-catching depth. Fellow veteran wideout DeSean Jackson recently secured his release from L.A. and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders after failing to receive consistent targets.

Johnson, who played for the Rams from 2017 through 2020, said he would have likely picked a team where he'd be higher in the pecking order offensively if in OBJ's position, but he also noted head coach Sean McVay is capable of making it work.

"Coach McVay, he's one of the best doing it. I know he'll find a way to get it done," Johnson said. "But just right off the bat, I'm like I wouldn't really want to go there if I were him, but we'll see how it goes, and I wish him the best."

Beckham's departure from Cleveland came after he recorded just 17 catches for 232 yards and no touchdowns in six appearances this season.

The 2014 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year averaged 96 catches and 1,374 yards across his first three NFL seasons with the New York Giants. He scored 35 TDs in 43 games during that span.

He suffered a fractured ankle during the 2017 season, however, and he's never been able to match his early-career production over the past four years.

Beckham won't be ticketed for a high-target role in Los Angeles barring a rash of injuries, but he moves from the 25th-ranked passing offense in Cleveland to the No. 3 aerial attack in Los Angeles. He also joins one of the league's top Super Bowl contenders.

In addition, since he only signed a one-year contract, he'll be able to go through a more traditional free-agent process during the offseason to find a team where he could play a prominent role.

It's unclear when Beckham will make his Rams debut. If he doesn't play in Monday night's clash with the San Francisco 49ers, he'll have to wait until after the team's Week 11 bye.

   

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