Odell Beckham Jr. has already made his share of headlines, both on and off the field. So it’s no surprise the outspoken superstar wide receiver had a bold prediction regarding the future of his new team, the Cleveland Browns.
In an interview with GQ magazine, the 26-year-old Beckham said: “I plan on being there for the next five years and trying to bring as many championships there as possible.” He continued by proclaiming he’s planning on “turning [the Browns] into the new Patriots.”
The receiver also offered a take on his new quarterback, second-year man Baker Mayfield. “I would say he’s next, but I feel like he’s now,” Beckham said. “He’s Brett Favre—he’s going to be a Hall of Famer.”
Cleveland is certainly receiving a good amount of preseason love. As far as betting odds, CBS Sports has the Browns’ chances of winning the next Super Bowl at 16-1, the same as the Los Angeles Chargers, tied for the ninth most-likely champion in the league.
My message to @obj & Greedy Williams: Keep talking. I agree with you. The @Browns ARE legit Super Bowl contenders. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/Rt91kXUuV4
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) May 7, 2019
In addition to Beckham, the Browns have also added Kareem Hunt (although he’s suspended the first eight games), Olivier Vernon, and Sheldon Richardson, among other free agents.
They also made noise in the draft by selecting highly-touted and also outspoken cornerback Greedy Williams from LSU, Beckham’s alma mater as well as Jarvis Landry, who will be lining up opposite Beckham at receiver. Thus, this upcoming season will represent something of a new-look Browns, whether that translates to the type of long-term success Beckham is predicting remains to be seen.
For his career, Beckham has 390 catches for 5,479 yards and 44 touchdowns in 59 games played. After signing a five-year, $90 million contract extension, many thought he’d be in New York for at least the bulk of his NFL career. But the Giants decided to trade him to the Browns for safety Jabrill Peppers and a first and third-round draft pick.
