Patriots: 3 monster playmakers New England could trade for midseason
By Jerry Trotta
2. Odell Beckham Jr.
The Patriots have been linked with a trade for Odell Beckham Jr. for what feels like several years now, and nothing has come close to materializing. However, that could change given how much success the Browns offense (and team in general) enjoyed without him last year.
Anybody who’s watched Cleveland over the last two campaigns can grasp that Beckham isn’t a fit in their run-heavy offense. To make matters worse for the 28-year-old superstar, his chemistry with Baker Mayfield has left a lot to be desired, too.
While Beckham managed 1,035 receiving yards two years ago, he was anything but a consistent outlet for Mayfield. For context, the three-time Pro Bowler registered just two 100-yard games and logged fewer than 65 receiving yards in nine contests.
The Patriots should look to free Odell Beckham Jr. from Cleveland.
In a perfect world, the Browns would like to hold on to Beckham, who’s under contract through 2023, but another half season of inconsistent production could leave them with no other decision but to cash in on the former No. 12 overall pick.
The Patriots just seem like a perfect landing spot for Beckham. As a WR who’s capable of breaking a long touchdown or burning an opposing secondary with 7-8 catches per game, he’d represent everything New England doesn’t currently have in their offense.
Sure, Beckham is coming off a torn ACL, but all reports suggest he’s right on schedule in his recovery and should be a full-go for training camp.
Nevertheless, when you consider the seemingly perfect fit and that New England is positioned from a cap standpoint to absorb the remaining years of his contract, who says no?