Browns GM: Cleveland 'happy' with Odell Beckham Jr. on the roster

Even before the 2019 Cleveland Browns plummeted to 2-5 en route to becoming arguably the most disappointing team of the season, rumors linking the Browns with trading wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. generated national headlines and made for interesting conversations among local sports talk hosts.

Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry tried to eliminate such speculation once again following the NFL Draft. 

As noted by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Berry was a guest on NFL Network on Wednesday, and he spoke about the franchise's feelings regarding the talented wideout.

"We’ve been clear from the beginning that we view Odell as a fantastic player," Berry said. "We’re a better team with him on the field. We see him as a long-term member of the organization. We really like how he’s acclimated and adjusted with the new staff. So the rumors, that’s not something that we can control, but we’re happy to have him as a part of our organization." 

Berry accepted the Browns gig in January after the club hired Kevin Stefanski as its new head coach. Neither Berry nor Stefanski has directly worked with OBJ during an NFL season.

Berry can't blame analysts or fans for wondering about Beckham's future, and not just because the 27-year-old may or may not have asked teams to "come get me" last fall. Last weekend, the Browns used a sixth-round pick on potential draft steal and Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. On Tuesday, multiple reports confirmed the Browns were bringing Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins back for at least one more season.

The Browns aren't lacking playmakers for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Running back Nick Chubb finished second in the league in rushing yards last season. Receiver Jarvis Landry is recovering nicely from offseason surgery. Kareem Hunt is still with the organization. As is tight end David Njoku. Cleveland also signed former Atlanta Falcons tight end and Pro Bowler Austin Hooper in free agency.