The Browns are teetering on the verge of complete disaster, and that could lead to some major changes this offseason. Firing head coach Freddie Kitchens would be one of the most obvious, but could Odell Beckham Jr. also be one-and-done in Cleveland?
While he is still on pace for over 1,000 yards receiving, Beckham is averaging fewer than five catches per game and has only one touchdown. He has expressed frustration recently both publicly and privately, and Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman says there are NFL teams who believe Beckham could be traded if the issues spill over into early next season. Two NFC officials told Freeman they don’t see a move happening this offseason but they anticipate that “the vultures will be circling if the Browns keep sucking.”
Beckham was open for what could have been a touchdown on a crucial 4th down against the Denver Broncos last weekend, but Baker Mayfield didn’t see him. He was then overheard by a CBS reporter complaining about not getting the ball, and you can’t really blame him. Both he and Jarvis Landry were open, but Mayfield simply missed them.
While Kitchens and Cleveland’s offensive line deserve much of the blame for the Browns being 2-6, Mayfield has taken a huge step back. He is the only quarterback in the NFL who currently has more interceptions than touchdowns on dropbacks when he’s not pressured, and his passer rating is the lowest in the NFL when he’s not pressured. Given the expectations heading into the season, any wide receiver would be frustrated with how things have gone.
There were rumors that the Browns were shopping Beckham before the trade deadline, but those were quickly dismissed by their front office. Unless Beckham wants out, the Browns probably won’t shop him this offseason. But if things continue down their current path, it’s fair to wonder how content he will be sticking around in Cleveland.
