5 Key NFL Stories: 12/8/19 – 12/15/19

Odell Beckham Jr. wants out: Just when you thought the Browns’ 2019 season couldn’t get any more dysfunctional, reports emerged this past week that Beckham wasn’t happy in Cleveland. The star receiver allegedly wants out, and has been telling opposing players and coaches to come get him. The Browns were the subject of endless hype this offseason due to their retooled roster and new coaching staff, but things fell apart quickly and they started the year 2-6. They’ll be missing the playoffs this season, and will be dealing with a lot of drama this offseason. Beckham is under contract through the 2023 season, and it’ll be very interesting to see what happens with him this spring. Beckham has been having a disappointing season, and hasn’t been nearly the elite top option the Browns were hoping for.

Alshon Jeffery done for the year: The Eagles are still very much alive in the pitiful NFC East, but they’re going to be making their final push without a key piece of the offense. Their best receiver was placed on injured reserve after going down with a foot injury on Monday Night Football last week, and he won’t play again this season. He’ll finish 2019 having only appeared in ten games, making 43 catches for 490 yards and four touchdowns.

Giants cut Janoris Jenkins: Jenkins was waived by New York after insulting a fan on Twitter. He had also publicly blasted the coaching staff in recent weeks, and the team finally felt it was right to move on. Jenkins is capable of being a solid corner and he has a lot of starting experience, so it’ll be very interesting to see if a contender claims him on Monday. He has no guaranteed money on his deal beyond this year, so a prospective new team wouldn’t be risking much. We heard earlier this morning that he was expected to join a contender for Week 16.

Cardinals cut Terrell Suggs: Jenkins wasn’t the only veteran defender to hit the waiver wire this week, as Suggs will be joining him. After spending the first 16 years of his career with the Ravens, the pass-rusher signed with Arizona this offseason on a one-year, $7MM deal. He had been reasonably productive for the Cardinals, finishing with 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 13 games. Suggs’ waiver situation is going to be very interesting, as his team has put it out there publicly that he doesn’t want to play for any team other than Baltimore. Suggs wants to return home to finish his career as the Ravens get ready for a playoff run, but they are also last in the waiver priority list. There’s apparently at least one team other than Baltimore planning on claiming him, and it’ll be interesting to see if he changes his mind and reports.

Dolphins extend DeVante Parker: What was supposed to be a dreadful season for the Dolphins has surprisingly produced a bunch of nice moments. There have been many bright spots, and the Parker redemption arc is certainly one of them. The former first-round pick finally has begun to deliver on his potential this season, and Miami rewarded him by handing him a four-year extension worth around $40MM. He’ll get an $8MM signing bonus, and will now be under contract through the 2023 season.