The New York Giants are about to be reunited with an old friend.
The team is traveling to Cleveland later this week for a joint practice against the Browns ahead of their preseason game together, which means that Odell Beckham Jr. will be present and likely exchange pleasantries with some of his former teammates.
But it’s probably safe to assume there won’t be any hugs and handshakes between Beckham and general manager Dave Gettleman.
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Gettleman traded Beckham two-and-a-half years ago for safety Jabrill Peppers and two draft picks (which became Dexter Lawrence and Oshane Ximines).
The star wide receiver spent the ensuing months following the trade ripping his former team, namely Gettleman and former head coach Pat Shurmur.
Yet Gettleman, who once said about Beckham “you don’t give up on talent,” has no regrets on trading the receiver.
“I’m happy,” Gettleman told reporters on Tuesday, via the New York Post. “I like that group.”
As he should. Peppers has emerged as a leader on the defense, compiling two interceptions and four forced fumbles in 26 games since the trade, as well as a career-high 11 pass deflections last season.
Lawrence, a first-round pick, has 6.5 sacks through two seasons while Ximines showed potential with 4.5 sacks his rookie season but required season-ending shoulder surgery after four games last year.
Meanwhile, Beckham’s time in Cleveland has been less-than-memorable. He found the end zone just four times in his first season, finishing with 74 catches for 1,035 yards – still not quite the 1,300-yard receiver he was in his first three seasons in New York.
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Last year, Beckham tore his ACL in Week 7 and needed season-ending surgery. It is unlikely Beckham will be on the field for any 11-on-11 drills when the Giants are in town as he rehabs from that injury.
“I think it’s a trade that will work out well for both sides,” Giants co-owner John Mara added on Tuesday. “Obviously the players we’ve added have been good contributors for us. I expect Odell to have a great season, and I still have a great relationship with him.”
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