Browns: Lame Odell Beckham trade speculation starts up again
ESPN speculates a Browns trade of Odell Beckham to the Buccaneers.
The 2020 NFL season has been in the books for a whole four days, but already, the ESPN machine is firing up speculation surrounding a Browns trade of receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
ESPN Wake Up host Jeff Darlington has Beckham heading to Tampa to team up with Tom Brady…because of course, I guess.
Darlington knows it would take a lot to happen, but speculates away. He said it feels like OBJ is more expendable to the Browns than at any point during Beckham’s two seasons in Cleveland.
Never mind Beckham is rehabbing from November ACL injury. Even if things go well, it’s crazy to think Beckham will return before Week 10 of the 2021 campaign. From a player perspective, Beckham must make sure he’s right, as he’s touching 30 years old. Rushing back too soon could be devastating if No. 13 wants to preserve his longevity.
As for Tampa, Darlington said the Bucs are happy with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Plus, there’s Antonio Brown, who just caught a touchdown in the Super Bowl.
The idea of uniting Brady and OBJ is always going to be intriguing, but let’s call it what it is: Good TV.
Beckham will have a role with the Browns when he’s healthy and ready to play. Based off previous comments, Cleveland’s ownership really loves him. OBJ is also beloved within the walls of the locker room.
There’s going to be no dearth of rumors this offseason surrounding Beckham, because Darlington does have a point: OBJ is expandable as ever. His teammate Jarvis Landry will be thrown into rumors too because both will earn north of $13 million. It’ll make for some good debate, but both will probably be a part of the team in 2021.
In reality, it serves the Browns best interest to bring Beckham back and let him play to build up some trade value.
The big storyline to watch will be how Beckham performs on field with Baker Mayfield. The duo couldn’t get on the same page in 2019, and there were just a few moments of success when Beckham was healthy in 2020.
It was without Beckham that Mayfield blossomed into the type of player who fans believe can lead the Browns to their first Super Bowl.
Next. 3 Browns who should be candidates for PFF's 'Most Improved' list in 2021. dark
Every expert will tell you the Browns are better with Beckham in the huddle, but our eyes offered visual proof that Mayfield elevated his game without OBJ on the field.