Late last week, the New York Giants reportedly turned down a trade offer from the Cleveland Browns for Odell Beckham Jr.
That, however, doesn't mean the Giants will ultimately hold on to their star wide receiver.
Moments after the NFL's free agent negotiating window opened up on Monday, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported that New York is "still involved in trade discussions" centering on Beckham Jr. Although Howe didn't specify which team the Giants are negotiating with, the Browns could make for a logical trade partner as general manager John Dorsey enters his second offseason in Cleveland with no shortage of ammo.
Dating back to last week, the Browns have been linked to Beckham Jr. as rumors circulated that Dorsey was plotting a "huge" move. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller later revealed what he had heard was that Cleveland was attempting to clear cap space in an effort to acquire Beckham, whose record 5-year, $90 million extension kicks in this year.
"There is talk out there that Odell could be traded," Miller said on his Stick To Football podcast. "The Browns are probably a front-runner for that."
The betting odds agree, with Bovada giving the Cleveland (+285) the second best odds of being Beckham's team at the start of the 2019 season, trailing only the Giants (-190). In other words, while New York is favored to keep the 3-time Pro Bowl selection if the Giants do opt to trade him, the Browns -- from a betting standpoint -- are his most likely landing spot.
As for what Beckham -- who caught 77 passes for 1,052 yards and 6 touchdowns in 12 games last season -- would cost Cleveland (or any other suitor), that remains to be seen.
For now, all we know is that it appears the Giants are willing to listen to offers. And when it comes to the Browns' interest, it doesn't take much to connect the dots.
