Browns executive denies Beckham trade rumors: 'We're trying to build'

Trading away star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. would go in the opposite direction of the Cleveland Browns' long-term plan, Browns chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta said on Thursday.

"We're really (trying to) build around a core of players that we think have a chance to be a championship-caliber core and the idea that we would take away from that core at this moment just doesn't make a whole lot of sense and really not something we're exploring at all," DePodesta said of recent trade rumors involving Beckham, according to ESPN's Jake Trotter.

It was reported Wednesday that the Browns and Vikings were discussing a deal to send Beckham to Minnesota for two draft picks. Hours later, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported the rumors are false.

DePodesta reiterated that trade speculation regarding Beckham is "completely false."

"It's frustrating a little bit," he said. "I think it's pretty clear we're trying to build at this point. We got an awful lot in free agency. We're excited about what we have a chance to do in the draft."

Cleveland acquired Beckham in a blockbuster trade in March 2019. The deal was part of the team's rebuild, which began when defensive end Myles Garrett and quarterback Baker Mayfield were selected first overall in back-to-back drafts in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

However, the Browns only posted a 6-10 record last season, missing the playoffs for the 17th consecutive year.

This offseason, Cleveland hired head coach Kevin Stefanski to replace Freddie Kitchens. The club also signed long-term deals with offensive tackle Jack Conklin and tight end Austin Hooper.

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