Written by: Alexander Amir
After over a year of contract negotiations between star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and the New York Giants, the two sides have finally come to an agreement to make OBJ the highest paid wide receiver in league history with a 5-year, $95 million contract extension with $65 million guaranteed.
Beckham has posted historic numbers since his rookie year. After missing training camp and the first four games of his rookie season, Odell proceeded to catch 91 balls for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 108.8 yards per game. He set numerous NFL records immediately, and set the football world ablaze with his one-handed catch against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, which is considered by most to be the greatest catch in NFL history. Beckham is an integral part of New York’s offense — with an aging QB and a suspect offensive line, having a stud receiver who can instantly separate from a defender becomes even more important. Even if the offense transitions to a run-first attack with 2nd overall pick Saquon Barkley, Beckham provides the balance that is integral for any successful offense.
Given all of these positives signing Odell seems like it should have been a no-brainer, but he brought up enough issues for it to become a question. He’s had numerous behavioral issues, ranging from fines for touchdown celebrations and a suspension for unnecessary roughness to an untimely picture in Miami and an inappropriate video in Paris. He’s also had a bit of an injury history, dealing with nagging injuries through 2015 and 2016 and suffering a broken ankle after 4 games last season.
Ultimately, Odell did enough to earn a contract this offseason. Despite trade rumors early in the spring, most Giants fans were always under the assumption that a deal would eventually get done. Beckham and new head coach Pat Shurmur started off on the right foot, as the receiver attended all offseason training programs despite the pending contract negotiation. He’s proven that he’s fully committed to the organization and the new leadership. While it may have taken longer than expected, Odell Beckham Jr. gets his money, and the Giants will now have their offensive skill positions locked down for years to come.