Tomlin's reaction to OBJ joining Browns indicative of current opinion?

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Tomlin's reaction to Odell Beckham Jr. joining Browns could indicate thoughts on WR joining Ravens

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/11/23

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is heading back to the AFC North after signing a one-year deal with the Ravens on Sunday. However, head coach Mike Tomlin wasn't too worried the first time the Steelers were set to face Beckham Jr. twice a year, after the wide receiver signed with the Browns in 2019.

"We see great players week in and week out. We've seen him before. We have respect for his talent and the talents of everyone they've acquired but it doesn't change our agenda or our focus," Tomlin said during an appearance on NFL Live on ESPN.

Mike Tomlin had this iconic reaction when asked about the Steelers facing Odell twice a year in 2019.

Doubt that reaction will have changed much with Odell back in the AFC North 4 years later now. pic.twitter.com/rEvAi0TSuu
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) April 10, 2023

Tomlin backed up his reaction during Beckham Jr.'s two-plus years in Cleveland. Pittsburgh held Beckham Jr. to 10 catches for 120 yards and zero touchdowns in four games as a Brown.

The 30-year-old now joins Baltimore as his fourth team since entering the league in 2014 (Giants, Browns, Rams). He has been one of the most talented receivers in the NFL when healthy, but he has played in just 21 games over the past three seasons. He missed all of the 2022 season due to a torn ACL.

So, with Beckham Jr. a few years older, coming off a major injury and joining an offense with a run-first mindset, it's likely Tomlin's reaction hasn't changed too much, if at all.

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