The New York Giants were said to be shopping wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. earlier in the week, which was news that was not taken seriously by anybody. Although, it was all business and shock on Tuesday, when the Giants dealt the emotional wide receiver to the Cleveland Browns for a first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, two other draft picks, and safety Jabrill Peppers. Many around the league, fans and reporters included, were left dumbfounded by the news, as the two sides will combine their minor trade involving Olivier Vernon and Kevin Zeitler from last week to this trade. The swapping of draft picks that took place in last week's deal is no longer happening.
Beckham is a longtime friend of Browns wide receiver, Jarvis Landry, as those two go back to high school together within the game of football. The 26-year-old wideout, famous for his one-handed catch years ago, said that Landry gave him a heads up that the Browns wanted him. Not much time later, it was the Giants general manager, Dave Gettleman, who called OBJ to let him know that he was traded.
This move comes less than a year after Beckham signed a five-year, $98.5 million contract with the Giants, which took place in August. That made him the highest-paid wide receiver at the time, which has since changed to Antonio Brown, who is now a member of the Oakland Raiders. With the Giants not improving at 5-11 this past season, Beckham never got happier, and was never afraid to show it, which led to him having issues with coaches and the front office.
The wide receiver has also dealt with multiple injury issues, as he played in just 12 games this past season, despite making $21.5 million in 2018. He was also paid $16 million from New York with the trade, as they shift that contract over to Cleveland.
Beckham will now be a weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield, whom he has worked out with in California in previous off-seasons. He and Landry will be a major tandem for Mayfield, as the two have combined for seven Pro Bowl selections, and have recorded 288 receptions apiece in their first three NFL seasons. Only Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints has recorded more in that time frame.
OBJ will bring more of a long range game to the Browns offense, as he has 12 touchdown catches of at least 20 yards, which is the most in the NFL since 2014. This offense will also include running back Nick Chubb, who had 996 yards rushing this past season, which was the most by a Browns rookie in franchise history. Tight end David Njoku is also a threat, as he is coming off a 56-reception, 639-yard season in 2018, and will now be part of a Browns team that has their eyes fully on a playoff run sooner rather than later.
Beckham is a longtime friend of Browns wide receiver, Jarvis Landry, as those two go back to high school together within the game of football. The 26-year-old wideout, famous for his one-handed catch years ago, said that Landry gave him a heads up that the Browns wanted him. Not much time later, it was the Giants general manager, Dave Gettleman, who called OBJ to let him know that he was traded.
This move comes less than a year after Beckham signed a five-year, $98.5 million contract with the Giants, which took place in August. That made him the highest-paid wide receiver at the time, which has since changed to Antonio Brown, who is now a member of the Oakland Raiders. With the Giants not improving at 5-11 this past season, Beckham never got happier, and was never afraid to show it, which led to him having issues with coaches and the front office.
The wide receiver has also dealt with multiple injury issues, as he played in just 12 games this past season, despite making $21.5 million in 2018. He was also paid $16 million from New York with the trade, as they shift that contract over to Cleveland.
Beckham will now be a weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield, whom he has worked out with in California in previous off-seasons. He and Landry will be a major tandem for Mayfield, as the two have combined for seven Pro Bowl selections, and have recorded 288 receptions apiece in their first three NFL seasons. Only Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints has recorded more in that time frame.
OBJ will bring more of a long range game to the Browns offense, as he has 12 touchdown catches of at least 20 yards, which is the most in the NFL since 2014. This offense will also include running back Nick Chubb, who had 996 yards rushing this past season, which was the most by a Browns rookie in franchise history. Tight end David Njoku is also a threat, as he is coming off a 56-reception, 639-yard season in 2018, and will now be part of a Browns team that has their eyes fully on a playoff run sooner rather than later.
