Could the Cleveland Browns trade Odell Beckham, Jr. this offseason?
In short, absolutely. While the Browns aren’t in the mindset of subtracting from their first playoff team in ages, Beckham didn’t exactly play a monstrous role down the stretch for a team that, as constructed without him, defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round.
Cleveland also has a ton of cap space this offseason and could theoretically add to positions of weakness, which doesn’t include wide receiver even without Beckham. OBJ was the addition of a past regime, one Kevin Stefanski is trying to usurp. Draft capital is definitely available in return for a player of Beckham’s caliber.
Beckham, Jr. could be a great fit on a team like Washington, which is just a few offensive skill position players away from competing. Heck, even without a competent offense, Ron Rivera’s team still won the NFC East.
What would it cost Washington to trade for Odell Beckham, Jr.?
Beckham, Jr. has a $15 million cap hit next year, which Washington can afford. Still, that number is a bit steep, and takes away from his overall value. Given Washington’s draft position, I’d be surprised if the Browns got back a first-round pick.
Football Team Get
WR, Odell Beckham Jr.
Browns Get
2021 second-round pick
2022 fourth-round pick
Getting two draft picks for a player like Beckham, who is coming off major injury, would be a win from Cleveland’s point of view. It is a tough sell to the fanbase, which is getting its first taste of winning football in decades.
The Browns front office is smart enough to realize that what they’re giving up in star power at the wide receiver position, they’d be gaining in overall positional depth, and perhaps less glamorous productivity.
For now, such a trade seems unlikely. But given what’s already transpired this offseason, never say never.