NFL rumors: Odell Beckham Jr. wants to leave Browns after one season

The Odell Beckham Jr. era in Cleveland reportedly could be over after just one season.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported Sunday that the Browns receiver, who the 49ers pursued this offseason, wants out of Ohio.

"[Throughout] this year, Odell Beckham has actually told other players and coaches before games, during games, 'Hey, come get me. Come get me out of here,'" Glazer said Sunday on "FOX NFL Sunday." "Remember: It was not Odell's choice to go to the Cleveland Browns. He got traded there. There now also is reports he needs sports hernia surgery. I've gotta say, I don't see that relationship ending well for them after this year."

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The Browns acquired Beckham in a blockbuster trade with the New York Giants this offseason, but things have not gone according to plan in Cleveland. Beckham as 57 catches for 805 yards and just two touchdowns this season, and Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot cited multiple sources describing the Browns' offense as "dysfunctional."

As Glazer noted, Beckham reportedly is playing through a sports hernia. NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Beckham will need surgery and he has mostly been limited in practices.

Beckham remains under contract through 2024, after signing a massive extension with the Giants last August. His demand rather than his team's motivation to move him would drive a potential trade this offseason, and it's fair to wonder if changing circumstances on the 49ers' part would affect their interest.

Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, tight end George Kittle and breakout defensive end Arik Armstead are all eligible to sign contract extensions this season. Armstead can become a free agent this offseason, while Kittle and Buckner can do the same in 2021. Whether or not the 49ers retain Armstead, it could prove difficult to bring in Beckham given San Francisco's existing salary commitments.

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Over The Cap lists the 49ers as having just over $16 million in salary-cap room heading into the offseason. Parting ways with players such as injured running back Jerick McKinnon could free up space, but Beckham will carry a cap hit of at least $14.25 million in each of the next four seasons. It's also hard to envision Beckham wanting to restructure his deal after being surpassed by Julio Jones as the NFL's highest-paid receiver.

The financial concerns are real, but a down season in a historically downtrodden organization shouldn't be what dissuades the 49ers from pursuing Beckham if he is made available or demands a trade. Kyle Shanahan's offense can't exactly be described as "dysfunctional."

Beckham tweeted Friday that he didn't say he was unhappy in Cleveland, but that he is "hopeful for better results." Whether that hope takes him elsewhere will be a storyline to monitor all offseason.