Rumors of Browns talking trade of Odell Beckham Jr. to Vikings called 'false'

Before any draft, there are going to be some outrageous trade rumors involving big-name players being dealt for picks. Sure, it happens occasionally but usually the rumors are complete hogwash. Of course, the 2020 NFL Draft starts next Thursday, and one raging rumor on Wednesday currently blowing up the internet is that the Browns are talking about sending receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Minnesota Vikings for second- and fifth-round picks. Not this year, NEXT year.

So far, this has only been reported via tweet by Marc Malusis of WFAN radio in New York. No one else has corroborated it, so obviously take that with a huge grain of salt. In fact, Mary Kay Cabot, who covers the Browns for Cleveland.com, said via Twitter that she got a one-word answer from a source about this rumored possible deal: "False."

Not to mention the Browns are clearly all-in on winning a Super Bowl this year after free-agent additions like former Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin and ex-Falcons tight end Austin Hooper for new coach Kevin Stefanski. There's also the fact OBJ has a $14 million base salary for 2020 and the Vikings have less than $13 million of cap room currently. Finally, Beckham had core surgery this offseason. 

Was Beckham Jr. happy in Cleveland last year? Not really, as he finished with career lows (in a non-injury season) of 74 catches, 1,035 yards and four scores. He and Baker Mayfield didn't appear on the same page at times. The Browns traded a first-round pick, a third-round pick and safety Jabrill Peppers to the New York Giants for Odell last offseason. 

Beckham is currently +20000 at William Hill sportsbook to win 2020 NFL MVP – no receiver has won it. He is +1400 to lead the NFL in receiving yards. 

Minnesota definitely could use a receiver after trading Stefon Diggs to Buffalo last month for draft picks, but it's much, much, much more likely the Vikings simply draft a receiver at No. 22 (from Bills) or No. 25 next Thursday.

Via SportsLine oddsmakers: Will Odell Beckham Jr. be a member of the Browns Week 1 of the 2020 season?

• Yes: -300
• No: +240