Odds of Browns Trading Odell Beckham Jr. Before 2020 Kickoff Listed at +350

• Trade rumors are once again swirling around Odell Beckham Jr.
• Despite the speculation, the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is a strong favorite to remain in Cleveland
• Is there value on betting the Browns will trade Beckham before the start of the 2020 season?

Odell Beckham Jr. is an exception talent. He’s one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, but are the Cleveland Browns about to become the second team to give up on him in his prime?

The rumor mill suggests yes, but the odds tell a different story.

Odds the Cleveland Browns Trade Odell Beckham Jr?

Odds taken on April 21st

Beckham is a heavy favorite to remain in Cleveland now moreso than ever. Back in December, the wideout was only -300 to be on the Browns roster at the start of the 2020 season, and now those odds are twice as short.

There’s been plenty of trade buzz surrounding Beckham over the last few weeks, with one report suggesting Cleveland and Minnesota were discussing a deal that would net the Browns a seemingly disappointing return.

The #Vikings and #Browns are discussing a trade that will send star WR Odell Beckham Jr. to Minnesota for a a 2nd and 5th round picks next year, according to @MarcMalusis

The #Browns traded a 1st round pick, a 3rd round pick and Safety jabrill Peppers for Odell last season.

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 15, 2020

Cleveland has been adamant that they’re not shopping Beckham, but some are beginning to question the lack of chemistry between him and Baker Mayfield.

Are Beckham and Baker a Good Fit?

Beckham was acquired by the Browns last offseason and proceeded to have the worst statistical season of his career. His 55.6% catch rate was the lowest he’s ever produced, and 2019 marked the first time he’s played at least 12 games and failed to record 77 receptions.

"Reports say Browns & Vikings are in discussions on a trade that would send Odell Beckham Jr. to the Vikings for a couple of picks next year."

?@ColinCowherd explains how this is a win for everyone involved, including Baker Mayfield pic.twitter.com/ruVIKeadVO

— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) April 15, 2020

He found the end zone just four times and has accumulated only 13 touchdown catches over the past three seasons, after posting 35 in his first three years in the NFL.

It would be easy to put all of the blame on Beckham for his lack of production, but don’t let Mayfield off the hook. The former first overall pick took a major step back last season, completing less than 60% of his passes. He threw for only 239.2 yards per game and his quarterback rating was 15 points lower than in his rookie campaign.

Whether or not Beckham and Baker can succeed together remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure, there’s not another player on the Browns roster that can match Beckham’s talent, and they’d be doing their franchise QB a disservice by trading him away.

The Browns Need Beckham

Outside of Beckham and Jarvis Landry, no other wide receiver on Cleveland posted more than 12 catches in 2019. Landry is a nice player, but he doesn’t command the defensive attention that Beckham does. He’s a possession receiver that lacks the game changing ability of OBJ.

Can someone please help Odell Beckham Jr? pic.twitter.com/blbpXU5wUR

— Blake ? (@HoodieRamey) April 20, 2020

The Browns could trade away Beckham and then select a receiver with the 10th pick in this year’s draft, but with mini-camps likely to be cancelled and training camps potentially shortened, how much impact could a first year player have with minimal reps?

With Mayfield still on his rookie contract, Cleveland needs to win now. Trading away Beckham won’t help, but drafting a stud offensive tackle will. Giving Mayfield more time to throw will allow Beckham to create more separation. The Browns’ QB was sacked 40 times last season and completed just 45.5% of his passes under pressure.

Beckham Won’t Be the Next Big Name Dealt

Number one receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs may have been dealt this offseason but don’t expect Beckham to be next. Cleveland simply can’t afford to part ways with a talented wideout and the reported haul he might fetch isn’t nearly enough.

Look for the Browns to upgrade their O-Line through the draft to hopefully give Mayfield more time in the pocket. One thing’s for sure, if Beckham, Mayfield and the rest of the offense disappoints in 2020, the OBJ trade rumors will be swirling again next season.

Pick: No (-600)