Odell Beckham Jr. continues to harbor a belief that the New York Giants had malicious intentions when trading him to the Cleveland Browns, an event that transpired nearly five years ago.
Speaking on teammate Marlon Humphrey’s “Punch Line Podcast,” the Ravens receiver expressed lingering dissatisfaction with how his tenure with the Giants concluded.
In reference to his comments to Sports Illustrated in 2019, Beckham explained his feelings on the situation.
“There’s semi a bit of me that feels like the Giants sent me off, I’ve said it before, sent me off to Cleveland to die,” he confirmed to the Punch Line Podcast.
“I could’ve went to the 49ers; I could’ve went to the Patriots; I could’ve went to teams that had a chance to be great, and that’s not what their desire was. You can’t tell me that, ‘This was the best trade package we could’ve got for you.’ Your desire was to kind of fu*k me over a little bit, is how I feel.
“You feel like I made a fool of you or the organization, and that was never truly my intention. I’m just that competitive. I wanted to win. I always wanted to win.”
What were the terms of the deal?
The Giants traded Beckham to the Browns in exchange for Jabrill Peppers, Kevin Zeitler, and first-and-third-round picks in the 2019 draft, leading to the selection of Dexter Lawrence and Oshane Ximines.
Beckham maintained that any perceived distracting behavior on his part stemmed from frustration with consistent losing during his tenure with the Giants, where the team posted subpar records, including a 3-13 season before his trade.
Expressing regret that the Giants didn’t make changes to support Eli Manning, Beckham makes clear he just wanted the team to win.
“I want to see Eli go out with another Super Bowl. We’re not putting the pieces around him. I was being wasted as well,” he concluded.
Beckham recalled receiving the trade news while in Paris for Drake’s tour, emphasizing the feeling of spite associated with the Giants’ decision. Despite previous assurances from general manager Dave Gettleman that Beckham was not signed to be traded, the wide receiver was traded one season after signing a lucrative contract extension.
Following a tumultuous stint with the Browns marked by injuries and offensive disconnection, Beckham joined the Rams, contributing to their Super Bowl victory but sustaining an ACL tear that sidelined him for the subsequent season.
Currently signed to the Ravens on a one-year, $15 million contract, Beckham made a notable impact with 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. The Ravens, as the top seed, are set to host the Texans in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
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