Larry Fitzgerald believes Odell Beckham will be even better with the Cleveland Browns

Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is a believer in Odell Beckham, Jr. and thinks he can be even better now that he’s with the Cleveland Browns

There have been a lot of opinions about the Cleveland Browns recent move to pick up wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. The former New York Giants star is a big name and an even bigger talent. But he has also had his share of distractions to this point in his career.

During Beckham’s career in New York, he had his every move picked apart. He was criticized for showing emotion on the sidelines as well as for his contract demands. Through it all, he continued to put up good numbers on the field.

Now in Cleveland, there’s going to be even more expected of him as he cost the team an awful lot to acquire. The Browns gave up a first and third round pick as well as starting strong safety Jabrill Peppers.

So how will Beckham handle the growing expectations? According to Arizona Cardinals receiver and future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, OBJ will thrive in his new home.

While speaking at the league’s Annual Meetings, Fitzgerald took a minute to discuss Beckham and said being in Cleveland could be great for him as he rejoins his friend Jarvis Landry and will also have fewer distractions.

"“But I think it can be great for him, getting to a smaller city where there’s just not as many distractions, he can focus on ball and really let his talents do the speaking for him. He’s with that group with (Jarvis) Landry, again they went to college together, so that could be a great, great combination with a rising quarterback (in Baker Mayfield) as well.’’ — Fitzgerald said according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com"

Browns fans surely hope Fitzgerald is right, and he probably is. One of the best wideouts to ever play the game, Fitz has spent his entire career in a smaller market team.

During his 15 seasons with the Cardinals, Fitzgerald has put his names all over the record books. He enters 2019 third in the NFL in career receptions with 1,303, second in yardage with 16,279, and sixth in touchdown catches with 116.

When a guy with those kinds of credentials shares an opinion, it’s usually worth taking notice — and he believes Beckham can thrive, even more so than he already has, playing in a market closer to his own rather than in the Big Apple.