The Cleveland Browns traded for the talented wide receiver two years ago and overall has provided some mixed results.
This is not a discussion about the what the Cleveland Browns gave up to acquire Odell Beckham Jr., but a review of what has happened during his time with the team. Beckham is a very talented receiver and has that game changing ability. The only problem has been injuries and lack of connection with Baker Mayfield.
Sure, there have been some absolutely incredible plays from Odell Beckham Jr. during his time with the Browns. But the acquisition has not necessarily gone according to plan. Aside from the injury, which is not his fault, the numbers simply have not met expectations, again not particularly his fault.
In his first season Beckham caught 74 receptions for 1,035 yards and 4 touchdowns. These are all the lowest numbers in his career in a season in which at least 12 games were played. That would be a 64.7 yards per game average, a 23 yard decrease from the previous season. While he played the entire season injured, the drop in production is still quite alarming.
The 2020 season was not necessarily trending well for Odell Beckham Jr. In 7 games Beckham had 23 receptions for 319 yards and 3 touchdowns. Based on his average performance per game, Odell Beckham Jr. would have finished around 53 receptions for 729 yards and 7 touchdowns, although a game with limited time on the field does skew these numbers down a bit. While the increase is touchdowns is nice, the drop in receptions and yards is concerning.
A drop in production last season was expected due to the offensive scheme change, but not to this degree. The much more alarming issue has been the lack of chemistry with Baker Mayfield. No matter how hard the two players try they are rarely on the same page. Odell Beckham Jr. is someone who at times can take liberties with his routes while Mayfield is someone who forces the ball his way.
The Browns owe it to themselves, Baker Mayfield, and Odell Beckham Jr. give it one more go. If after 2021 it does not appear that they can make things work that is when a discussion about team direction must take place. Luckily there is a chance they can make things work roster wise and financial wise. Maybe they find a way to restructure his deal and add more years to keep Beckham in town. If he stays or goes it is very possible that Odell Beckham Jr. could be the most talented receiver to play in Cleveland for a long time.
