Report: Browns Expected To “Eventually” Trade Odell Beckham Jr

Mike Freeman of B/R spoke to three sources around the NFL who said it’s only a matter of time before the Browns trade WR Odell Beckham Jr.

 

A general manager tells Freeman that Cleveland moving on from Beckham at some point isn’t because of a perceived attitude problem, but more that he isn’t considered to be a good fit with QB Baker Mayfield.

“People have the wrong idea of who he is as a person,” a general manager tells Freeman.

According to Freeman, some believe Beckham will only fit into an offense that has a highly accurate quarterback, which Freeman says has been an issue for Mayfield.

Freeman mentions that teams are more willing to trade impact receivers nowadays with the Vikings dealing Stefon Diggs to the Bills and the Texans sending DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals this offseason. 

A report surfaced earlier in the week that the Browns had discussed a trade involving Beckham with the Vikings. However, several reports and even the Browns have shot down the trade buzz involving Beckham.

In fact, Freeman says a Vikings’ team source “vehemently denied” the report that Minnesota has had trade discussions for Beckham. Freeman considers a potential trade to the Vikings to be “unlikely.”

On Thursday, Browns Chiefs Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta was asked about the recent report that they’ve discussed a potential trade involving Beckham with the Vikings. 

“It was completely false. It’s frustrating obviously. It’s pretty clear what we’re trying to build,” DePodesta said, via Daryl Ruiter. “The idea we’d take away from that core doesn’t make sense and is not something we’re exploring.“

DePodesta added that he has no reason to believe Beckham Jr doesn’t want to be in Cleveland. 

“I have no reason to believe he doesn’t want to be here. He’s been very good this offseason, engaged with Kevin Stefanski. We’re excited to have him,” DePodesta said, per Scott Petrak.

Beckham’s first year in Cleveland did not go as many assumed, but the Browns have responded by making sweeping changes to the organization in an attempt to get the team back on track.

Beckham underwent surgery this offseason to repair a core muscle injury he battled throughout 2019. He dealt with the injury since training camp, but did not miss a game in 2019.

Beckham, 27, was taken with the No. 12 overall pick by the Giants back in 2014. He was set to make a base salary of $8,459,000 for the 2018 season when he agreed to a new five-year extension worth up to $95 million and includes $65 million in total guarantees.

The Giants traded Beckham to the Browns this offseason for the No. 17 overall pick, their second third-round pick and S Jabrill Peppers.

Beckham stands to make base salaries of $16.75 million and $14 million over the next two years.

In 2019, Beckham appeared in 16 games for the Browns and caught 74 passes for 1,035 yards receiving and four touchdowns. 

We’ll have more regarding the Browns and Beckham as the news is available.