NFL rumors: Odell Beckham Jr.’s asking price is absurd
By Mark Powell
NFL rumors: Odell Beckham Jr. wants a surprising amount of money in free agency, and he might get it — just not from a real contender.
This year’s wide receiver market in NFL free agency is at an all-time low, with the likes of Odell and JuJu Smith-Schuster as the most valuable commodities available.
That’s…not ideal for teams in need of a star wideout. There’s a reason why the Chicago Bears traded for D.J. Moore.
Two Kansas City Chiefs — Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman — are in the mix, as both are expected to receive multiyear deals over $10 million per season. Beckham Jr. is trying to double that mark, as he’s reportedly seeking $20 million per year after his most recent workout, which left teams impressed.
NFL rumors: Odell Beckham Jr.’s asking price
Beckham is seeking a $20 million contract, but that will likely be a topped-out price due to incentives. The guaranteed money, due to Beckham Jr.’s history of injuries, will be closer to the $10 million mark. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk discussed this in a recent article:
“(His contract) will actually be something like a one-year, $7 million contract with a team option after one year to unlock up to three real years followed by a phony final year that pushes the total average to $20 million annually.”
Beckham Jr.’s workout was for 12 teams, and took place this past week. Just last season, he flirted with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Buffalo Bills, just to name a few. Even the Kansas City Chiefs had some scouts at this workout, as they could stand to lose two of their top wideouts in free agency.
While Beckham is no longer the All-Pro caliber wide receiver he once was, he was explosive with the Rams and his recent workout form suggests he can get to that level of play again.