Cleveland Browns: 3 teams to target Odell Beckham amid ongoing struggles
Cleveland Browns trade target No. 1: New Orleans Saints
If there’s one team that has the biggest hole at wide receiver this year, it’s the New Orleans Saints. In Week 1, their number one receiver was Marquez Callaway, an undrafted free agent in 2020. The team is still without their star receiver Michael Thomas, as well as Trequan Smith.
Even when Thomas returns, the other receivers consist mostly of undrafted free agents that have found a way to produce in bigger roles than anticipated.
A trade for Odell Beckham Jr. would be the simplest way to improve the depth chart at the wide receiver position for the Saints, without having to wait for next season’s draft or free agency. Pairing him with Michael Thomas on the other side of the field would make for a solid first and second option for an offense that is looking for consistent playmaking from their receivers.
The main issue with the Saints targeting Beckham would be the salary implications. The team found themselves in cap purgatory this past offseason, following a significant decrease in the salary cap. With Michael Thomas already being a highly paid receiver, adding Beckham’s salary may be too much for one position.
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However, if the numbers are right, it could be a good trade for both teams. The Browns could get out from underneath that salary number, while also finding a younger receiver that can find chemistry with Baker Mayfield, while the Saints can add a talented receiver that looks like he just needs a fresh start to regain some of his old self.