New England Patriots: Tom Brady better off without Odell Beckham Jr.
The Cleveland Browns made a splash by obtaining Odell Beckham Jr. in a trade with the New York Giants which killed the hope of the star joining the New England Patriots.
With Julian Edelman as the only proven receiver currently under contract, there were constant rumors that the New England Patriots would deal for star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to add to Tom Brady’s arsenal.
That pipe dream was given a dose of reality on Wednesday when it was announced that the Cleveland Browns acquired Beckham Jr. in a blockbuster trade with the New York Giants.
Were the Patriots even in the mix for the talented pass catcher?
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There were rumors that they inquired about him prior to the 2018 NFL trade deadline and there were also hints from the star himself that New England was a likely destination.
Now, considering the luck or lack of luck for the Browns, there is still a possibility Odell Beckham Jr. could see himself in a Patriots uniform eventually, but would Brady still be playing?
With the motivation the 41-year-old quarterback has to play until the age of 45, it is quite possible, but at this stage of his career a diva wide receiver like Beckham Jr. may not be the best type of weapon for Brady.
Sure, there are visions of that 2007 season with Randy Moss, but let’s remember that the team had other weapons like Wes Welker running shorter routes where Brady didn’t have to continuously force the ball down field.
Back then, he was younger.
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Although the New England Patriots have a shortage of reliable receivers and receivers who can beat defenders one on one, Brady launching deep pass after deep pass to Odell Beckham Jr. may not be the best thing for an offense trending more towards a running attack.
Why Brady is better off
There were times during the season where Tom Brady forced the ball to Josh Gordon. Some of that was to get Gordon on track but having that outside threat and a bigger receiver who could leap over defenders and fight for the ball created too much temptation for the six-time Super Bowl winning quarterback.
Gordon is great, but at this point Odell Beckham Jr. would be a greater deep threat. Just imagine the temptation of Brady attempting multiple deep passes during a game. Again, there are visions of 2007 floating in just about every Patriots’ fans mind, but Brady is not the greatest deep ball passer and if he is losing a bit of arm strength approaching the age of 42, a talented deep threat like Beckham may not be the best.
Yes, the New England Patriots are desperate for an outside threat, but it doesn’t need to be someone like Beckham Jr. They need someone like a Deion Branch or even someone to fill the role Brandon LaFell played during that 2014 NFL season.
That is what Josh Gordon was becoming before his latest banishment from the league. That’s why many believed a player like Golden Tate (now headed to the New York Giants) was such a great fit for the Patriots.
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In summary, it would’ve been awesome to see Tom Brady have a weapon like Odell Beckham Jr. The reality, however, is Brady may be past the point of his career where that combination would be at its most lethal. Like Gordon, the new Cleveland Browns star receiver would have to become more of a route runner to really flow with Brady.