Tom Brady throwing passes to Odell Beckham Jr.? It was the dream of the occasionally mercurial wide receiver.

Beckham told reporters Wednesday he heard the talk of a potential trade to New England a few years back, and he was pretty psyched about it.

Two, three years ago, there was speculation that was going on, he said. I was willing and ready to go over there at any point in time. That was always a dream of mine to play for Tom Brady.

Instead, Beckham was dealt from New York to Cleveland last offseason, ending up with Baker Mayfield and the Browns. But while Beckham took care Wednesday to say how much hes enjoyed playing with Mayfield in Cleveland, it doesnt mean his feelings toward Brady have changed. Beckham said he has a pair of goat-hair cleats he wants to present to the New England quarterback this weekend.

Tom Bradys the GOAT. I know weve done some goat cloning. ... I think theres something going on, Beckham told reporters. Hes not human to be playing the way hes still playing. Mentally prepared every single game. Decisive decisions. Knows how to manage a game. Plays offense and defense with the way that he plays. Hes just very smart. Hes the best to ever do it. I dont think anybody could really argue it. Hes just the greatest. I definitely want some of the water that hes drinking.

He also has plenty of respect for Bill Belichick -- even though the receiver said he expects to hear some barbs from the New England sideline on Sunday.

He tells me the same thing every time, Beckham said of Belichick. Hes like, I hope you enjoy today, because theres not gonna be much for you. And thats what hes told me, and thats what he does every single time. Its just tough. Hes going to coach it up, and theyre going to be ready and prepared.

With the Giants, Beckham has played one regular-season game against the Patriots, and had four catches for 104 yards and a touchdown.

Sundays game at Gillette Stadium begins at 4:25 p.m.

Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @cpriceNFL.

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Browns Odell Beckham Jr. said it was his dream to be teammates with Tom Brady - The Boston Globe