5 trade destinations for Cleveland Browns WR Odell Beckham ahead of the 2020 NFL trade deadline.
It only took one game for trade rumors surrounding Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to re-ignite
With Beckham looking like a detriment to the offense, and getting even farther away from the last time he was a true elite receiver, speculation is that the Browns are looking to trade him and are asking for a lot in return. Another rumor has the Browns not really looking to trade him, but are getting calls, none-the-less.
There’s certainly an argument to trade him, but it’s probably too early to make the move right now. The trade deadline falls at the end of October, and if Beckham can’t be a part of the solution by then, Cleveland could easily find a trade partner.
There’s also a question of value. The Texans moved DeAndre Hopkins for a David Johnson, a second- and fourth-round pick. Alas, the NFL stands for “Not for Long” and Hopkins is better talent right now.
ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi talked about anything between a third- and a fifth-round pick for the receiver, which is chilling, considering the Browns traded their 2019 first-round pick away for OBJ.
His stock is down, though, so it’s a buyer’s market. Here’s five teams that should be calling the Browns about Beckham ahead of the 2020 NFL trade deadline.
1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have been tied to Odell Beckham in the past, and nothing’s changed. The need for Beckham is probably greater, considering Deebo Samuel is on the IR (aiming for a Week 4 return).
Even without OBJ, the 49ers are one of the few contenders who actually have a shot to win the Super Bowl. Acquiring him would, assumably, make San Fran the front runners.
It would be interesting to see what kind of chemistry Beckham would have with Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G is a really good quarterback, but even he misses the big throw, evidenced by last year’s Super Bowl.
How long until OBJ starts side-eying him like he does Baker Mayfield?
Of course, this deal would probably work out for Beckham, Jimmy G and the 49ers, as the Browns would probably wind up being the losers.
Imagine it, the coach who presented a Power Point presentation on why he should be left go (Kyle Shanahan) gets Beckham and the wideout returns to the elite status he enjoyed in New York.
2. LA Rams
OBJ in LA seems to good to be true. But from a football standpoint, LA could really use to get that once powerful offense moving.
Plus, the market could really use the boost. LA just opened a billion dollar facility and no one can attend games. Two players from their run to the Super Bowl (Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks) no longer play for the team.
LA fans would be cheering the deal for OBJ much like Browns’ fans did in the winter of 2019.
The Browns would likely have to take a player back in the deal, in addition to draft picks, as the Rams are a bit cash strapped. Per Sportrac, LA is about $9 million under the salary cap.
The Rams, who looked like an elite team in 2018, have now fallen behind the Saints 49ers, and some may even argue the Seahawks.
Adding Beckham might put them back in that class, assuming OBJ is still a great player.
3. Patriots
The Patriots won without Tom Brady in Week 1, as life does go on. That said, the story is still the same for Bill Belichick.
New England continues to fail to put weapons around their quarterback, and considering Cam Newton’s injury history, the Belichick better not rely on Newton bulldozing the Pats back to the AFC championship game.
Odell loves documenting his offseason workouts on Instagram, and through those channels,OBJ was seen training with his good friend, Newton. One would have to think the chemistry between the two would be a heck-of-a-lot better than we’ve seen OBJ have with Mayfield the past 17 games.
It’d be something if Bill’s ego green-lit this deal. What if he really thought he could win one without Brady?
You know he wants to beat Brady to the punch. Adding OBJ would certainly improve his chances.
4. Packers
Eli Manning was a really good quarterback, but not quite elite like his brother. We know Baker isn’t elite. So, would OBJ like teaming up with Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback who just never stops throwing touchdown passes?
It didn’t take long for Browns fans to question whether OBJ really was excited in Cleveland. Based off nothing, I think he just missed being in New York. If that’s the case, you’ve got to wonder about he’d feel going to Green Bay, even with Rodgers at quarterback.
Beckham says he wants to win, and I’m sure he does, but…
Play-by-play Jim Donovan was recently n ESPN Cleveland, where he discussed an episode of NFL Films documenting the Cleveland Browns 2019 season. During Cleveland’s win against Denver, OBJ was filmed next to Nick Chubb having a chat. OBJ was talking about really wanting to score a touchdown as the Browns were en route to one of their six victories.
Chubb said what you’d expect Chubb to say. “I want to win.”
Take that for what’s it worth.
5. Eagles
The Eagles season hinges on whether or not Carson Went can stay healthy. If so, Philly’s cleared a big hurdle and their chances of winning the NFC East improve greatly.
If they added Beckham, just imagine what their Super Bowl odds would be.
Plus, imagine the circus of Beckham playing his former team, the Giants, two times a year.
Something to consider when talking about this deal: Andrew Berry spent last season in Philadelphia’s front office. Connections can mean everything when doing business.
As for Beckham being traded, it’s still too early to tell. Berry has to let this play out a little more before he finally ends what was supposed to be a slam-dunk experiment.