Which Teams Should Acquire the Browns Star WR?

By: Kyle Stracher (Twitter: @DarthSpooz)

After bursting onto the scene as one of the most exciting receivers in the NFL, Odell Beckham Jr. has become an icon in the NFL. After 3 straight pro bowls to start his career, Beckham has not been the same since. Beckham has only played 1 full season in the last 4 years, and his production has declined steadily since his first few years with the Giants. The now Cleveland Brown is rumored to be a key trade component this offseason after an ACL tear 7 games into 2020. The Browns were extremely successful without Beckham, even winning their first playoff game in decades. With the possibility of Beckham being traded seeming very possible, here are a few landing spots for the 2014 Rookie of the year.

New York Jets

It may not be the same team Beckham played for, but at least it’s the same stadium. The Jets are in the midst of a rebuild and have a large amount of cap space as well as a need for receiving help. The Jets have two first-round picks this year as well as the 34th pick and Seattle’s third round pick. The Jets have the capital to acquire Odell, and with rumors that they may be moving on from Sam Darnold, Beckham could instantly be the face of New York football again. The Jets ranked 2nd to last in receiving yards in 2020, and with Breshad Perriman set to be a free agent, they could use some help on the receiving end. Expect Joe Douglas to push hard for Beckham’s return to the Meadowlands this offseason.

Baltimore Ravens

Although it is a cardinal sin to trade to division rivals, the Ravens are a great fit for Beckham. The Ravens already have their star quarterback in Lamar Jackson, but he needs receiving help. Marquise Brown, showed he does not have what it takes to be a No. 1 receiver this year. Adding Beckham as a WR 1 would take the pressure off both him and tight end Mark Andrews. The Ravens were dead last in the NFL in receiving yards and still made the playoffs. A receiver like Odell Beckham makes the Ravens run game even scarier and keeps them honest. This year the Ravens only have 5 draft picks (without compensatory picks) but have the 27th overall pick in the first round. The biggest problem is that Baltimore only has 10 million in cap space, meaning in order to take on Beckham, they will have to do some spring cleaning. A duo of Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham would not only be electric but a huge fan attraction as well. Baltimore is in dire need of receiving, expect them to pursue a Beckham trade if it is available.

New England Patriots

After an un-patriot-like year in 2020, New England looks to rebuild after missing the playoffs for the first time in what seems like centuries. Their first problem? Receivers. The Patriots best receiver statistically was Jakobi Meyers who had 59 receptions and 730 yards. It doesn’t get any better after that either, which resulted in the Patriots finishing 2nd to last in receptions, 3rd worst in yards, 2nd to last in receiving touchdowns, and 3rd to last in 20+ yard receptions. Not exactly a prime group. Cam Newton clearly was not an elite passer, but in his defense, he had no help. The Patriots will likely have a new QB in 2021, and the addition of Beckham could change their offensive landscape. The Pats have the 4th most cap room this offseason which is more than enough to take on his contract. The Patriots have the 15th pick as well as a second-round, third round, and three 4th round picks to help acquire Beckham. Beckham in New England would be reminiscent of Randy Moss’ tenure on the Pats. After 2 sub-par years in Oakland, Randy Moss had 3 of his best seasons in New England. The Patriots are in need of receiving and with their trade capital and cap space, they are a great suitor.

If Odell Beckham is traded, even following his ACL tear, I expect a monster 2021 redemption season. He is stall one of the most talented receivers in the NFL, and given the right fit, will prove that.