Browns Have Decided on Odell Beckham Jr.’s Future
Over the last couple of weeks, the story around the Cleveland Browns has centered on the long-term future of star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The Pro Bowler had recently voiced his uncertainty regarding his tenure with the team past the 2019 season, while numerous reports surfaced that he had been informing opposing teams that he wanted to be traded. In light of all that, the Browns have finally handled this matter face-to-face with their All-Pro wideout by telling him where the situation stands moving forward.
Odell Beckham Jr. voices uncertainty then backtracks
The rollercoaster ride has continued around Beckham Jr. despite him getting moved from the New York Giants over the past offseason. The Browns’ struggles and faltering nearly entirely out of the playoff picture, have created much internal frustration towards the matter.
It began with Beckham Jr. expressing that he was unsure about his future with the team, despite being in the first year of his six-year lucrative deal. That was followed up by reports coming forth that he had been telling opposing coaches and players to get him out of Cleveland.
All of that didn’t take long to get back around to Beckham Jr. as he responded by stating that he had no control over the future of the team, but had never said he wanted out. Instead, he voiced that he wants to remain with the franchise and that he doesn’t want to leave something “special” in Cleveland.
The Browns have now added another layer to the entire situation this past week.
Browns make decision on Odell Beckham Jr.
Despite Beckham Jr. expressing that he wants to stay in Cleveland, there is much murkiness about his long-term future with the organization.
The Browns’ front office has brought some much-needed clarity to that matter with general manager John Dorsey recently expressing to the star wideout that the team has no plans to trade him, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
That should at least quiet down the trade chatter on that front for the next several weeks as it shows the franchise is still firmly committed to him. It also speaks to how much they value him being a core piece in the puzzle in hopes of turning things around. Beckham Jr. has proven to be one of the league’s most talented wide receivers, and his presence in the offense is a significant factor that the franchise hopes to retain.
It’s hard to determine whether their word is bond, or used to extinguish the chatter around the team. But, it is a strong stance from the franchise to make given the dysfunction around the Browns.
Will the Browns stay true to their word?
There is certainly plenty of time from now until the offseason, where much change can occur in Cleveland. The franchise is in a state of influx after falling well short of the lofty expectations that were set ahead of their talented roster in the 2019 season.
Instead, the team is likely headed into an offseason that will be filled with what could be another busy offseason. The Browns have a decision to make with first-year head coach Freddie Kitchens after his first season didn’t go anywhere near as planned while the team, at times, looked undisciplined and dysfunction has been prevalent.
Cleveland may voice that there is no interest in trading Beckham Jr., but there may be some trade packages sent their way that could spark some realistic dialogue on that front. Ultimately, the Browns are in a situation where change is needed, and that could see them explore moving their star wideout.
