Down and out: Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. released by Browns

CLEVELAND (AP) — Odell Beckham Jr.’s run his last route for the Browns. He’s wide open now.

The polarizing wide receiver is being released by the Cleveland Browns, who are cutting ties with Beckham after a drama-filled stay that ended with him being told to stay home from practice.

Beckham’s unceremonious exit — not completely official — came on Friday, his 29th birthday, and a few days after his father shared a video on social media highlighting times when Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield didn’t throw passes to the threetime Pro Bowler.

It was a tipping point in the team’s often-unstable relationship with him.

The Browns didn’t appreciate the video or that Beckham didn’t reach out to Mayfield, who said he was willing to work things out.

Beckham was told not to report to practice for two days as his representation worked with Browns general manager Andrew Berry on agreeable financial terms for both sides in his departure.

“I don’t think anyone envisioned when the organization traded for Odell three years ago that this would really be the resolution,” Berry said. “It’s unfortunate, but at the same time there are some situations in the NFL where things just don’t quite work out and that’s where we are today.

“Those decisions are incredibly difficult, but at the end of the day it’s a decision that I felt was appropriate for our team.”

Once the sides finalize financial terms — Beckham is owed $8 million this season — Beckham will be waived and can be claimed by any team with enough salary-cap space. If he clears the waiver wire next week, he’ll be a free agent and can sign anywhere.

“It’s disappointing,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said following Friday’s practice. “Obviously, unfortunate how it all went down, but I wish him well.”

Stefanski said he has not spoken to Beckham, who could wind up facing the Browns at some point this season.

Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett was somewhat shocked by the speed that the situation unfolded.