Is 2021 a Make-or-Break Season for Browns Wideout Odell Beckham Jr?

Published 04/10/2021, 8:40 PM EDT

The New York Giants parted ways with prized asset Odell Beckham Jr. along with Olivier Vernon in a blockbuster trade deal with AFC North franchise, Cleveland Browns. In exchange, they received Jabrill Peppers, Kevin Zeitler, and the Browns’ first- and third-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft.

OBJ was expected to assist Baker Mayfield and lead Cleveland back into the playoffs. However, his first two seasons with the Browns have not gone as per plan. He endured a large spell on the sideline due to injury in 2019 but was expected to stamp his authority under new coach, Kevin Stefanski, in 2020.

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But Beckham only featured in 7 games as injuries continued to hamper his progress with his new franchise. OBJ had 319 receiving yards and 3 receiving TDs after suffering an ACL injury in the Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Odell Beckham Jr. enters ‘Do or Die’ season with Cleveland Browns

Odell Beckham Jr. has three career seasons with at least 1,300 receiving yards. The Browns have had just one in franchise history (Josh Gordon – 2013).
Beckham also has three 10-touchdown seasons. The Browns have had one since the AFL-NFL merger (Braylon Edwards – 2007).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 13, 2019

The flamboyant Odell Beckham Jr. made a name for himself during his time in the Big Apple. He was expected to reach new heights after joining the Browns but has so far dealt with multiple injuries. Still just 28, OBJ has time to redeem himself and establish himself as a first-choice starter in Kevin Stefanski’s new-look offense.

Odell Beckham rehabbing the knee injury via his IG #Browns pic.twitter.com/uOABkRgmhD
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) November 25, 2020

In 22 starts for the Browns, OBJ has 1,354 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns to his name. He was looking in good form last year before his unfortunate injury against the Bengals. The three-time Pro Bowler underwent surgery on the same two weeks after the incident. He is expected to return for the Browns in 2021.

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Beckham developed strong chemistry with franchise quarterback, Baker Mayfield, and fellow wide receiver Jarvis Landry. He was supporting his team as they made their way to the AFC Divisional Round where they lost to Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs.

With the clock running out, OBJ faces a race against time to get his NFL career back on track. He will have to compete against Landry, Rashard Higgins, KhaDarel Hodge for a starting spot on the Browns’ offense.

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If coach Stefanski opts to draft a young wide receiver, it will further complicate Odell’s situation. He has a contract with the Browns that runs till 2023. Should he fail to impress in 2021, we expect him to depart The Forest City next year. It’s now or never for OBJ.

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Daniel Arambur is an NFL writer and content strategist for EssentiallySports.With more than 1,000 articles, he is one of the senior writers in the NFL cohort at ES. A mass media graduate from the University of Mumbai, Daniel has found the perfect blend of vocation and passion in the sports content niche.

Is 2021 a Make-or-Break Season for Browns Wideout Odell Beckham Jr?

Odell Beckham Jr. enters ‘Do or Die’ season with Cleveland Browns

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