Cleveland Browns: Odell Beckham Jr. trade shifts AFC North hierarchy

The Cleveland Browns just became the favorite in the AFC North after trading for superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

It’s official, Odell Beckham Jr. is now a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, as first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The blockbuster trade reportedly, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, sends safety Jabril Peppers, a 2019 first-round pick and third-round pick back to the New York Giants for the superstar wide receiver.

While many will immediately start talking about the Browns and their potential, they’ll have to conquer the AFC North first. This trade, at the very least, will solidify their odds as the favorite in a division that got much weaker this offseason. Let’s briefly recap the other three teams in the AFC North.

The Ravens, who will have a second-year stud in quarterback Lamar Jackson captain their offense, lost stud linebacker C.J. Mosley in free agency, a staple of their league-best defense. It’ll be difficult for them to move the ball and stop their opponent.

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For Pittsburgh, the Steelers lost arguably the league’s best receiver in Antonio Brown and will likely also lose the arguably the league’s best running back in Le’Veon Bell. This team is crumbling before us and is watching their long-time quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, age which each additional season.

Last but not least is the Cincinnati Bengals. A completely overhauled coaching staff now led by Zac  Taylor hasn’t made a single significant move, re-signing mediocre lineman and praying the draft will solve the multiple needs on both sides of the ball.

Now, we’re back to the Browns. They’ve added Sheldon Richardson to bolster their defense that’s led by Myles Garrett. On the offensive side of the ball, the Browns now have Beckham Jr. to accompany second-year quarterback Baker Mayfield, a finalist for the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Then, you also have to consider Kareem Hunt, Nick Chubb and Jarvis Landry. They should combine to easily have the division’s most dynamic offense. Combine that with what should be a much-improved defense, and the Browns will be sitting pretty in the AFC North.

The Browns certainly weren’t the clear favorite before adding Beckham Jr. However, the hierarchy is now changing, and it’ll be the team that was once the laughing stock of the league leading the way. The team to beat in the AFC North — this deal may’ve made the Browns the team to beat in the entire AFC.