The Browns should trade for Odell Beckham Jr.: 12 reasons why

ORLANDO -- The Browns should spend some of their free minutes here at the NFL Annual meeting trying to trade for controversial receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

And while they're at it, they could offer 2016 first-round pick Corey Coleman as part of the deal. The teams also have the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the draft.

A trade for Beckham makes sense for many reasons, including the fact that Giants co-owner John Mara made it clear to reporters Sunday night that he's 'tired of answering questions about Odell's behavior. He knows what's expected of him and now it's up to him.''

After a video of Beckham holding what appeared to be brown cigarette went viral earlier this month -- and with Beckham reportedly set to sit until he gets a contract extension -- the Giants suddenly seem open to trading the three-time Pro Bowler.

When asked if he could envision Beckham not being with the Giants in 2018, Mara said, "I can't answer that one way or the other. I mean we're certainly not shopping him, if that's what you're asking. But when you're coming off a season where you're 3-13 and played as poorly as we played, I wouldn't say anyone's untouchable."

Ideally, however, it's "not a scenario I would like to see happen."

As for the video that has the Giants on edge, Mara said, "I mean, (I'm) more disappointed than angry. I think too often he allows himself to get put in bad situations and needs to use a little better judgment."

The Browns, who are on the fast track to 'get to winning as soon as possible,' would be the ideal landing spot for Beckham for a ton of reasons. Here are some of them:

1. Beckham played for Adam Henry in New York and at LSU

If anyone knows Beckham, it's Henry, the Browns new receivers coach. He not only coached Beckham in New York in 2016 an 2017, but also coached him at LSU, where he was teammates with Browns new receiver Jarvis Landry. Imagine those two in Browns uniforms - along with Josh Gordon. With Henry tutoring Beckham in 2016, the 2014 first-rounder caught 101 passes for 1,367 yards and 10 TDs. His reception total was the second-highest in Giants history and his yardage total was third.

2. He'd be reunited with Landry

Landry and Beckham are good friends from their days together at LSU, where they became the first pair of receivers in school history to finish with more than 1,000 yards in the same season in 2013. The two are both three-time Pro Bowlers who have combined for 60 touchdown catches since 2014. Browns receivers combined for seven last year. Besides, Henry knows how to handle these two fiery personalities. He's done it before.

3. The Browns are in 'win now' mode

John Dorsey and Hue Jackson have already overhauled the Browns' roster and are on a mission to put 0-16 in the rearview mirror as fast as possible. They're willing to spend, draft and trade their way into contention. Beckham is one of the best receivers in the NFL, and if he can be had, they have to try.

4. He'd be another great weapon for Tyrod Taylor and the No. 1 overall pick

Beckham would step into a situation with an experienced veteran quarterback in Taylor, and a rookie in whomever the Browns take at No. 1 overall, possibly Sam Darnold. It's a new day in Cleveland football -- for real this time -- and Beckham could be on in the ground floor of what's shaping up to be a dynamic team. The Browns could also end up with Saquon Barkley or another top running back out of this draft, and have a formidable offense in 2018.

5. The Browns have experience with difficult receivers

An immature receiver with past transgressions? The Browns are no stranger to that. They've endured Josh Gordon's multiple suspensions since 2012 and were more than willing to give him another chance. Dorsey drafted Tyreek Hill despite domestic violation allegations. Jackson worked with -- and embraced -- several players with challenging personalties in Cincinnati, as did quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese. Todd Haley has experience with the same in Pittsburgh. They have the framework and the temperament to handle less-than-perfect players.

6. Josh Gordon is one-day-at-a-time

By all accounts, Gordon is sticking to his protocol under the Substance Abuse program this offseason, and will be an integral part of the Browns in 2018. In fact, he's penciled in at the premier starting X receiver position. But the truth is, life with Gordon is a one day at a time proposition. He must stay sober 24 hours at a time, and if he slips up, he'll be suspended indefinitely again. Having Beckham and Gordon on the field together would be dynamite, but Beckham would also be great insurance if Gordon falters.

7. Flash, Juice and OBJ

If the Browns managed to land OBJ, they'd have three of the best receivers in the NFL on their roster in Flash (Gordon), Juice (Landry) and OBJ. They'd be unstoppable, and they'd have the QBs to make it happen. Add Duke Johnson and David Njoku to the mix, and it could be a long afternoon for defenses.

8. They could swap him for Coleman

Corey Coleman, the No. 15 overall pick in 2016, has been a big disappointment for the Browns, and he's the symbol of a two-year Sashi Brown regime that's looked down upon unfavorably by Dorsey and Jackson. Granted, Coleman has been hampered each of his first two years by broken hands, but he needs a change of scenery as much as Beckham does.

9. His salary is favorable

Beckham is due to make about $8.5 million in 2018 -- the final year of his contract. Granted, Landry is making $16 million this year, but Gordon is on the books for only $790,000 because of all the suspensions. So the terrific trio wouldn't break the bank in 2018.

10. The Browns have the money to extend him

The Browns still have about $68 million to $70 million in cap space, and the money to sign Beckham to the long-term deal he wants. NFL Network reported that he won't play without a new deal before the season. If the Browns trade for him, they'll likely have to agree to terms before the deal is struck. But he's worth it providing they can manage his personality. According to overthecap.com, Beckham is in line for a six-year contract worth about $85.912 million, or about $14.3 million a year, which would put him up there in the top three or four in the league.

11. He's in the prime of his career

Beckham is only 25, which means he'll still be in his prime when the Browns are poised to contend in a year or two. His pal Landry is 25 too, and they can provide the basis of a high-powered offense for years to come.

12. Browns are no longer the laughingstock

With players such as Carlos Hyde, Landry, Taylor, Gordon and Myles Garrett on board, the Browns are no longer the laughingstock of the NFL. The Browns are on the rise, and players can see it. Cleveland is not New York, but if it's good enough for LeBron, it might just be good enough for OBJ too.

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