Odell Beckham Jr. wasn’t worth $20 million the first time around

The Cleveland Browns may find themselves forking up big money for Odell Beckham Jr. if he were interested in coming back.

The Cleveland Browns need help at wide receiver. That’s not a debate. We know that. Where they should get that help from is going to be up for debate. Whether it’s from a trade, free agency, one of the under-leagues, or somewhere else not yet known. That’s why Odell Beckham Jr., a veteran free agent, coming off of a major injury is a realistic option for the Browns.

He may not be a perfect option but on paper, he has a lot to prove and should, realistically, ask for far less than a top-flight receiver would demand. Not Beckham, however. Nope. Most people would think a few million dollars for him would be enough to warrant a fair offer. After all, he missed a full year.

But according to some, Beckham is believed to be looking for a deal in the range of $20 million per year.

The Cleveland Browns cannot afford $20 million for Odell Beckham

The Cleveland Browns do not have the finances to pay Beckham $20 million if he were coming off a big year. Beckham, in New York, during is prime, wasn’t worth $20 million. He was not a player who, on his own, could lead you to a winning record. He was a great weapon, but not a great driving force.

Now, after missing a year, and has declined every year since 2016, and now at the age of 30, is not someone the team should be throwing a $20 million per year contract. Maybe, $20 million over four years, sure.

But for one year? That’s absurd.

Beckham, just based on what we saw from him since he left New York, isn’t even has good as Amari Cooper, and I believe firmly that Cooper is overpaid at $20 million per year. So if Cooper is $20 million and a good number two guy, then Beckham, who barely qualifies as a starter at this point, is definitely not.

I’d still be interested in him if he took less for a one-year, “prove-it” type deal, but if he’s going to hardline a $20 million minimum, then walk way and find someone else. May I suggest Adam Thielen?