NFL rumors: Odell Beckham Jr.’s desired contract surprisingly different from last year
By Josh Wilson
Odell Beckham Jr. is still out for a massive bag in NFL free agency, even after taking a year off due to an ACL injury.
Odell Beckham Jr. last played in an NFL game over a year ago, but he’s still hoping he can secure a substantial contract in the NFL free agent market this offseason. Beckham made the rounds in mid-season free agency in 2022, ultimately opting to not sign anywhere.
It was never entirely clear whether Beckham not landing on a team was due to a lack of opportunity, a disinterest in the available opportunities, or, perhaps most likely, a disparity between the contract he wanted and what was offered to him. At one point he simply claimed the regular season was worthless.
Now, we know what Beckham is after in free agency.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s desired contract revealed
According to Rich Cimini, Beckham is looking for a one-year deal at $15 million.
This is interesting because it was well-known that Beckham wanted a multi-year deal last season. He has, evidently, come down off that request, perhaps in the name of getting more money for a single year. Or, maybe, he’s realized the multi-year market just isn’t there for him.
Beckham wanted a multi-year deal citing the desire to stop bouncing from city to city. He’s hoping to find somewhere to build some roots. At least, he was, a few months ago.
While that might make things a little more tenable, as Cimini points out, that’s a pretty penny for a player who hasn’t played since he tore his ACL, and hasn’t played competitively in over a year.
The Jets are about to land Aaron Rodgers, at least we think, and that could up the pressure on what New York is willing to do, considering they’re only guaranteed to have Rodgers in town for a year. To make the most of that year, they need to add weapons for Rodgers to utilize. We saw how tough it was after losing Davante Adams in Green Bay last year, and the Jets need to learn from that lesson: Put receiving threats around Rodgers.
Jets are thought to be front-runners for Odell Beckham Jr.’s services
Dan Graziano recently reported that the Jets are the front-runner for OBJ (subscription required). At this point, he is theirs to lose.