Cleveland, Odell Beckham Jr. isn’t “going anywhere.”
Beckham, who has been at the center of trade rumors as of late, told reporters Wednesday that he plans to remain with the Browns despite a disappointing debut season in Cleveland.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here. We’re going to figure this thing out. It’s too special to leave,” the receiver said, according to Ohio’s WKYC News.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced Beckham was telling opponents to “come get me,” with a suspicious video of the polarizing receiver conversing with 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo surfacing soon after.
“It’s just done,” Beckham said of the rumors. “It’s time to put it to bed. I’m going to be here.”
Beckham even channeled Giants GM Dave Gettleman, who infamously said of Beckham, “We didn’t sign him to trade him.” The beleaguered Big Blue boss then proceeded to do just that.
“I didn’t buy a house here to sell it,” Beckham said Wednesday.
Though Beckham could try to force his way out, the decision ultimately belongs to the Browns, who have Beckham under contract through 2023. The question then becomes whether Beckham, 27, is worth the four years and $57 million let on his contract. Beckham has 67 catches for 910 yards and two touchdowns.
Cleveland’s controversies only begin with Beckham.
Beckham’s teammate and longtime friend, Jarvis Landry, tried to quiet the exit chatter last week, then allegedly took part in the “come get me” challenge during Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals. Quarterback Baker Mayfield said that’s not the case.
“People want to talk, say a bunch of things, but they’re not here,” Mayfield said, per Cleveland.com. “If they’re saying that, they don’t know who Jarvis is. It is what it is, just drama on the outside.”
Running back Kareem Hunt expressed his annoyance with his teammates after the loss, but head coach Freddie Kitchens said he welcomes peer criticism.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with challenging your teammates,” Kitchens said, according to ESPN.
Hunt shredded the Browns over a lack of effort, saying the team has to come together to win games.
“Yeah, I feel like there were some plays that everybody didn’t leave their 110 percent out there the whole play through the whole play, through the whole whistle,” Hunt said. “And we’ve all got to do that if we want to be successful.”
