Could the Vikings actually make a trade for Odell Beckham Jr.?

It seems impossible, but the could the Minnesota Vikings actually swing a trade for Odell Beckham Jr.?

The Cleveland Browns may or not be ready to trade wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., depending on which direction the wind is blowing that week. But according to Marc Malusis of WFAN Radio, the Minnesota Vikings are in discussions with the Browns on a trade involving Beckham.

According to Malusis, Minnesota would send a second-round pick this year and a fifth-round pick next year to the Browns in the deal.

After trading Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for multiple draft picks, the Vikings have a significant void a wide receiver. A deep draft class at the position will provide opportunities to fill that void, but the Vikings have placed themselves in a win-now window where no move is necessarily off the table.

Could the Vikings actually make a trade for Beckham?

Beckham carries a cap charge of $14.25 million for this year. The cap-strained Vikings, with just over $12.2 million in space right now with an incoming draft class to sign, can’t take that on. But there is an interesting trade possibility.

The Vikings somewhat surprisingly used the franchise tag on free agent safety Anthony Harris, which put an $11.4 million cap hit on their 2020 books absent a long-term deal. The Browns reportedly had some interest in Harris back in March, with indications the Vikings were seeking a second or third-round pick in a trade.

The easiest way the Vikings can make room for Beckham is to trade Harris, to the Browns in the same or a separate trade or to another team entirely. Then it’s palatable, and per Malusis’ report they wouldn’t have to give up a first-round pick.

Beckham’s contract details going forward are worth noting here. Starting in 2021, there is no dead money attached to cutting or trading him. So if it isn’t working out one year in, the Vikings can move on without further consequence.

It’s incredibly unlikely the Vikings will be the team to make a trade for Beckham, even assuming the Browns are now motivated to move him.

There is a path to making it happen though. And when it comes down to it, it might be easier for the Vikings than a lot of other teams who may be ready to make an offer for Beckham.