New England Patriots: 5 Trade targets for the 2020 offseason
5. Odell Beckham Jr.
While this rumor has been circulated since Odell Beckham Jr. was with the New York Giants, it still holds water as a viable option for New England. The Patriots have not had a dynamic outside receiver since Randy Moss and they’ve been desperately trying to correct that situation since he was ousted. They’ve taken chances on guys like Josh Gordon, Antonio Brown and Brandin Cooks.
Much to the chagrin of the front office, none of them made a lasting impact on the team.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Odell Beckham, on the other hand, has been a reliable and dynamic weapon despite the organizational chaos around him. In 2018, he was able to put up 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in only 12 games with an aging Eli Manning at quarterback. Last year, despite playing through injury all season and working under a dysfunctional head coach in Freddie Kitchens, Beckham still managed 1,000 yards and four touchdowns.
Beckham has eclipsed 70 catches and 1,000 yards in every season in which he has played 12 or more games. Despite all of the offseason hoopla and media stories, he is still one of the most talented wide receivers in the league.
Tom Brady could reinvent himself with such a dynamic weapon in the fold. Last year, Brady’s leading receivers were an injured Julian Edleman and scatback James White. No other player eclipsed 400 yards receiving. Odell Beckham Jr. would command countless double teams and open up the offense for the other weapons in Foxborough. He could be a carbon copy of what Antonio Brown was supposed to be in this offense, but he would be younger and more willing to learn.
Given how the Cleveland Browns are moving toward a more run-heavy scheme under Kevin Stefanski, they could be open to parting ways with the disgruntled receiver in exchange for draft capital. In a wideout-heavy draft, the Browns may be better off pairing a young rookie receiver with Jarvis Landry rather than keeping Beckham at his current price tag.
New England, who spent last year’s first-round pick on a rookie wideout, can get an established veteran in their locker room who can contribute immediately as the team’s primary option. Beckham won’t come cheap, but we could certainly see a resurrection of the New England passing offense upon his arrival.
Potential Trade: Patriots trade No. 23 overall and No. 97 overall for Odell Beckham Jr.