Is Odell Beckham Jr a legitimate trade target for the Patriots?

The Patriots need to add offensive weapons, and they could be after another star wide receiver.

It’s obvious the New England Patriots have a need for pass catchers. While a lot of the focus has been on the tight end position, the wide receiver group could use another fresh face as well. Odell Beckham Jr. has been someone that’s been linked to the Patriots for a few years now. But, is it realistic that the star receiver could land in Foxboro?

There’s certainly interest from Beckham Jr. Last season, he stated: “I was willing and ready to go over there [to New England] at any point in time. That was always a dream of mine to play for Tom Brady.” He followed that up by gifting Brady a pair of goat hair cleats.

Before he was traded to Cleveland, the Patriots were rumored to be in on him, so it could make sense that they’d be interested again.

The contract and the cap

His contract, while expensive, isn’t quite as ludicrous as one might believe. Beckham Jr. signed a five-year $90 million contract back in 2018 right before his final season with the Giants. At the time of the signing, it was the largest contract ever handed out to a wide receiver. Today, with four years left, the remaining $15 million per season would be tied for ninth among wide receivers in AAV, and that’s before Amari Cooper gets paid. That number is more than manageable for one of the best in the game.

However, it may also mean that a lot of impending free agents would have to find homes elsewhere. The Patriots are expected to have roughly $45 million in cap space entering the 2020 season. If a third of that is eaten up by Beckham’s contract, it would be tougher to keep key contributors like Joe Thuney, Kyle Van Noy and Devin McCourty.

What would the Patriots have to give up?

It’s tough to find a true comparison. Beckham Jr., himself, was traded (alongside Olivier Vernon) for Jabrill Peppers (former first-round pick), Kevin Zeitler (starting RG), a 2019 first-round pick, and a 2019 third-round pick.

Since then, Beckham Jr. had an average season, by his standards. He finished 2019 with 74 receptions for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns. His year also ended with surgery this off-season for hip and groin injuries that slowed him down.

With all that information, it’s safe to assume the Patriots would still have to give up at least a first-round pick and a third-round pick. If New England wants to re-sign Brady and put the best pieces around them that they can, this price tag should be more than acceptable.

How would Odell help?

It was clear that the 2019 Patriots were lacking explosiveness in their offense. Beckham Jr. is one of the most explosive players in football, as he can run just about every route effectively

This move would open up the field more for players like Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu and N’Keal Harry. Most of all, James White’s life would get much better. Last season, while still productive for White, had some down weeks because he was being covered by cornerbacks. The advantage for White comes when he gets a linebacker in coverage. This trade would do exactly that.

If Brady is back this would remove more pressure off his shoulders. And, the less pressure, the better.

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