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Cleveland Browns are losers in off-season trade with Giants

By Matthew McFatridge

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sidelines rubbing his forehead against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 31-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sidelines rubbing his forehead against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 31-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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A massive blockbuster trade between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants brought great talent and expectations to Cleveland. So far, however, the Browns have lost the trade that was seen as win just a few short months ago.

When rumors started that Odell Beckham Jr was on the trading block in New York, it was seen that the Cleveland Browns would make a run at him. I was among those who saw it as merely wishes and dreams.

Of course everyone wants a player of that magnitude. Making the deal happen on such a big player is a completely different story.

It takes a lot to get a player of Beckham’s talent, but general manager John Dorsey went all in to bring in the supremely talented wide receiver. Cleveland sent safety Jabrill Peppers and right guard Kevin Zeitler, as well as a first and third round draft pick, to the Giants for Beckham and linebacker Olivier Vernon.

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Beckham was supposed to help Baker Mayfield continue to progress coming off a fantastic rookie season, and Vernon was supposed to add pass rushing depth to a defense that was talented and looking to take the next step. What has happened, however, has been the exact opposite.

While Beckham has made some good plays, including an 89-yard catch and run for a touchdown against the New York Jets, he has often been taken out of games by opposing defenses. Vernon, on the other hand, has taken the spot that was assumed to be that of Genard Avery, who was coming off a breakout rookie season. Avery has appeared to be a healthy scratch in every game this season.

If Vernon was playing well and producing, that would be one thing. Only having 11 tackles and one sack on the season, though, is disappointing. Especially having given up so much and getting so little, but also forcing a talented young player to sit out, it’s been a disappointment so far. Having Zeitler on the offensive line that’s struggled mightily this season would also help this young team out.

All is not lost for Cleveland. The season is just over a quarter of the way complete, but thus far, two of the biggest acquisitions of the off-season have underperformed for Cleveland. It could be game planning. It could be coaching.

Regardless the issue, it needs to be fixed. Dorsey gave up too much for the game changing talents of Beckham and Vernon. You can never count anything a total loss, especially after such a small sample size.

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If the offensive line continues its poor play, and Vernon continues to be a non factor in games, the trade will be reevaluated and Dorsey criticized for as long as he is in the Browns front office.

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