Former New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison slammed Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for his declaration that he wants to turn his team into the “new Patriots.” While Beckham already clarified his earlier statement, Harrison still vented his ire on the flamboyant wide receiver, who recently joined the Browns via trade with the New York Giants. Harrison criticized Beckham in an interview with “The Zach Gelb Show” aired over Cleveland radio station 92.3 The Fan, saying if the Browns want to be like the Patriots, “they have to shut up”.
"You don’t need Odell Beckham talking, talking about he’s trying to be like the Patriots. Just shut up and play, OK?” added Harrison.
Harrison was preaching to the Browns the “Patriots Way”, which is all about being humble, saying focused on opponents or being silent about game plans against their next foe. The method works for the Patriots as they have won six Super Bowl trophies, including Super Bowl LIII, where they defeated the heavily favored Los Angeles Rams, 13-3. Harrison, who won two Super Bowl rings with New England during his stint 2003 to 2008, is scheduled to be enshrined into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Beckham clarifies Patriots statement
Beckham, who was traded by the Giants to the Browns for a first- and third-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft and safety Jabrill Peppers, earlier clarified his comment, saying he’s just aspiring to be great, like the Patriots.
According to Beckham, his statement was no disrespect for the Patriots, stressing that the Browns need more work before getting to the elite level, just like the Bill Belichick-coached squad. The Patriots have won the AFC East titles 18 times, including 10 straight seasons since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994. The Browns, for their part, have made the playoffs once since returning to Cleveland in 1999.
However, the Browns are optimistic that by bringing in Beckham to pair with second-year quarterback Baker Mayfield, they will have a turnaround this season. Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick last year, led the Browns to a 7-8-1 mark last season after throwing for 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. Mayfield was recently spotted hanging out with Patriots veteran quarterback Tom Brady at the Kentucky Derby.
Patriots want to bring back Collins
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, the Patriots are working to bring back linebacker Jamie Collins to New England. Rapoport, citing his sources, said the Patriots are talking with the free-agent linebacker about the possibility of returning to the team where he began his NFL career. The Patriots selected Collins as the No. 52 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. In 2016, the Patriots traded Collins to the Browns, who signed the linebacker to a four-year, $50 million contract in 2017. However, Collins failed to live up to his huge contract, forcing the Browns to cut him in the offseason.