Over the last several months, there has been nothing but uncertainty around star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.‘s long-term future with the Cleveland Browns. There has been the constant chatter concerning potential trade rumors, but that hasn’t moved in the direction of gathering any significant traction. With the offseason in full effect, the Browns have finally decided to put the cart in front of horse to clear up any doubts about Beckham Jr.’s future with the franchise.

Odell Beckham jr.’s first season with Browns

Following the blockbuster trade last offseason, Beckham Jr. got the fresh start he needed with Cleveland to get his career back on track.

It wasn’t exactly a smooth ride for Beckham Jr. in the 2019 season as there were struggles along the way. He had dealt with a groin injury that arose during the offseason that plagued him throughout the year. Beckham Jr. put together his fifth 1,000 receiving yard campaign on 74 catches, but he had his moments throughout the year where he had difficulty being a factor in the passing game.

Cleveland’s struggles to find success also sprouted internal issues that shifted the conversation toward Beckham Jr., potentially wanting out of the franchise after less than one season. There were rumors that he was telling opposing teams to get him, which only added to what became a tumultuous year.

In light of that, the Browns have finally come out to clarify where things stand with his future in Cleveland.

Browns see Odell Beckham Jr. as a long-term asset

Throughout the first few months of the offseason, there hadn’t been much in the way of clarifying where the Browns stood with Beckham Jr.

That created more rumors about his availability in the trade market, but there were also some hints that the team had plans with him at least through the 2020 campaign. Browns general manager Andrew Berry has finally ended that conversation for the time being by voicing during an interview on Wednesday with NFL Network’s Good Morning Football that he views Beckham Jr. as a long-term piece of the puzzle.

“With all due respect to the question, I think this is actually a topic, at least from our perspective, there really hasn’t been a ton of ambiguity,” Berry said. “We’ve been clear from the beginning that we view Odell as a fantastic player. We’re a better team with him on the field. We see him as a long-term member of the organization. We really like how he’s acclimated and adjusted with the new staff. So the rumors, that’s not something that we can control, but we’re happy to have him as a part of our organization.”

That should put to bed any lingering chatter that Beckham Jr. could be traded this offseason. The Browns have big plans for the star wideout to be a prominent fixture in the offense in the first year under head coach Kevin Stefanski.

What to expect from Odell Beckham Jr. in 2020 season

Although last season didn’t unfold in the manner that the Browns had hoped, there is a clean slate for the franchise to bounce back in 2020.

It’s also a chance for Beckham Jr. to put forth a strong campaign after injuries in his first campaign plagued him. He also has a year under his belt working with quarterback Baker Mayfield, which should allow him to be much more comfortable in his second season in Cleveland.

When healthy, Beckham Jr. has proven to be one of the game’s most dynamic offensive playmakers. There may be cautious optimism around the franchise this around, but the pieces are certainly in place for them to push forward in the 2020 season.