Odell Beckham Jr. Rumors: Patriots in Touch with WR After Browns Release

The New England Patriots have reportedly been in touch with Odell Beckham Jr.'s camp following the star wide receiver's release from the Cleveland Browns, according to The Athletic's Jeff Howe. 

The news comes after CBS Sports' Josina Anderson reported Beckham would "take some time and assess the best situation for him" before making a decision.

While Beckham is drawing interest from the Patriots, it's unclear if the veteran counts New England among his top destinations. The 29-year-old has reportedly "prioritized" the Green Bay Packers as his preferred landing spot, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

ESPN's Adam Schefter also reported that Beckham wants to join a postseason contender, and the Patriots currently fit the bill at 5-4, so they might not be out entirely on 2014's 12th overall pick. New England would enter the playoffs as the seventh seed if the postseason were to begin Tuesday. 

If he does join the Patriots, Beckham would instantly become New England's top receiver. Head coach Bill Belichick has relied on Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor this season, but none has talent like the former Brown or could be considered a true No. 1 receiver. 

Beckham has five 1,000-plus-yard receiving seasons, is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2014. Meyers, Bourne and Agholor have neither recorded 1,000 receiving yards in a season nor been to the Pro Bowl. 

When asked Monday during an appearance on WEEI's Merloni and Fauria show (h/t Bernd Buchmasser of Pats Pulpit) about the Patriots potentially adding Beckham, rookie quarterback Mac Jones responded:

"I think Odell is a great player. I definitely watched him growing up and stuff. Obviously, that's not my decision. But we're open to whoever wants to come here and help us win. So, you'll have to ask people with higher knowledge than me on that one. But we're not opposed to it at all."

In addition to the Patriots and Packers, Beckham has also been linked to the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints, per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.