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Odell Beckham Jr. Rumors: Steelers Called WR Before He Signed Contract with Rams

Rob Goldberg@@TheRobGoldbergX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVNovember 14, 2021

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. runs after a catch during NFL football practice Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly "called to make a play" on Odell Beckham Jr. before the receiver signed with the Los Angeles Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

The last-ditch effort was too late, however, as Beckham had reportedly already narrowed his choices down to the Rams or Green Bay Packers.

According to Rapoport, the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints also made offers on Beckham, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns last Monday.

The Steelers could use receiver help because of injuries, especially with Chase Claypool out for Week 10 with a toe injury. Rapoport reported the injury is considered "week-to-week."

JuJu Smith-Schuster was also previously ruled out for the year with a shoulder injury.

It has left Pittsburgh with limited depth at receiver behind Diontae Johnson. James Washington (12 catches for 154 yards) is the only other healthy wideout with more than eight receptions this season.

Beckham didn't live up to expectations in Cleveland, but the three-time Pro Bowler still has a career average of 80.3 receiving yards per game with 51 touchdowns and can be a game-changing threat when healthy.

The 29-year-old decided the Rams were a better fit, and his role should increase after Robert Woods suffered a torn ACL in practice Friday.

The 5-3 Steelers must now move forward with limited options in the passing attack, relying even more on running back Najee Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth.