Browns now a media darling

Heading into the 2019 season, the Browns were already one of football’s most interesting teams. But Tuesday’s trade for Odell Beckham sent the hype train careening off the rails, and it’s already being reflected in sports books across America.

The Browns, who opened at 30-1 odds to win the 2020 Super Bowl on Jan. 15, have leapt up to 14-1 odds, per Westgate.

That puts them among the NFL favorites, tying them with the Packers (who have also been busy in free agency). The only teams with better odds are the Patriots, Rams, Chiefs and Saints — all four of which played in conference championship games earlier this year.

The Steelers effectively swapped places with the Browns after getting rid of Antonio Brown. They opened at 14-1 odds but have since dropped down to 30-1 due to the loss of Antonio Brown (Le’Veon Bell was already as good as gone when the odds opened up).

The Browns are now the most bet-on team to win the Super Bowl by tickets and money at DraftKings Sportsbook in New Jersey.

Add favorites to win the AFC North to the list of offseason accomplishments, too.

The SuperBook on Saturday opened the Browns as +140 favorites to win the division, trailed closely by the Pittsburgh Steelers at +160 and Baltimore Ravens at +250.

Broncos

Former Bears cornerback Bryce Callahan agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with Denver, reuniting him with coach Vic Fangio, who was his defensive coordinator in Chicago. Callahan is the second unrestricted free agent defensive back Denver has signed in free agency, joining former Houston hard-hitter Kareem Jackson in the “No Fly Zone” Version 2.0.

Jaguars

Former Chiefs’ wide receiver Chris Conley signed a contract with Jacksonville. Conley, 25, had five touchdowns for the Chiefs last season. Selected by Kansas City in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft out of Georgia, Conley had 104 receptions for 1,238 yards and six touchdowns in his four-year Chiefs career.

Lions

Detroit agreed to terms on a one-year contract with cornerback Marcus Cooper. Cooper closed last season with the Lions, playing in four games after appearing in two games early in the season with the Chicago Bears. The 29-year-old Cooper has seven career interceptions in 74 games.

Raiders

Oakland released offensive lineman Donald Penn, cutting ties with the longest-tenured player on their roster. Penn became expendable after Oakland signed Trent Brown to a fouryear, $66 million contract this week that is the richest ever for an offensive lineman.

Saints

Pro Bowl center and offensive captain Max Unger is retiring after 10 NFL seasons. The 32-yearold Unger has been New Orleans’ starting center for the past four seasons. The 6-foot-5, 305pound Hawaii native was an AP All-Pro in 2012 and has been to the Pro Bowl three times, in 2012, 2013 and 2018.