CLEVELAND (AP) – Browns strategy office chief Paul DePodesta dismissed the rumor that the team is seeking to trade its star catcher Odell Beckham Jr. in trade.
The versions illustrated how Beckham’s future always seems in doubt, whether in New York, Cleveland or elsewhere.
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DePodesta said in a conference call Thursday from his California home that the team is not seeking a transaction involving Beckham, who was injured during his first season with the Browns after arriving at the team through a spectacular trade in March 2019.
The Browns were reported Wednesday in talks with the Minnesota Vikings about the 27-year-old.
“Completely false,” said DePodesta.
The Browns are busy wrapping up logistics for next week’s draft, which will take place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team hopes to continue the positive momentum that came after several deals with prominent free agents during the inter-campaign break.
These additions pursued by new coach Kevin Stefanski and freshman general manager Andrew Barry have calmed down yet another turbulent Cleveland recess. The vacation period began with the firing of coach Freddie Kitchens and general manager John Dorsey.
Things are turning out well for the Browns right now and DePodesta said the idea that the team is looking to change Beckham is unfounded.
“It’s kind of frustrating,” he said. “I think it is clear what we are trying to build at the moment. We got a lot out of free agency. We are excited about what we can do in the draft. We are building around players who we believe have the caliber to win a championship. The idea that we would remove something from that core just doesn’t make sense and it’s not really something we are looking for. ”
Beckham always seems to be at the center of the controversy, partly because of his actions and other times simply because of his striking presence. Last season, after reports surfaced that he was unhappy in Cleveland, Beckham said he wanted to stick with the Browns and play alongside his friend Jarvis Landry.
DePodesta believes Beckham wants to continue with the Browns, who had a disappointing season last year, going 6-10.
The three-time Pro Bowl receiver posted a video on Instagram. In the images, he was opening a box containing three jerseys numbered 13 after the team unveiled the new designs Wednesday, with a more traditional image.
