2018 NFL Trade Machine: Odell Beckham to the Jets
By Erik Lambert
The New York Giants have remained murky on the contract status of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., hence his inclusion in the 2018 NFL trade machine.
There are a variety of factors in play that would suggest the Giants dealing him can’t be dismissed. For one the man running the show, GM Dave Gettleman has proven in the past he’s not afraid to make the big decisions and doesn’t hold skill positions in as high an esteem as elsewhere. His rescinding of the franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman in Carolina, allowing him to hit free agency was a perfect example.
If he was willing to do that with an All-Pro corner, why would an All-Pro receiver look any different in his eyes? Especially one who can prove to be a distraction at times. Beckham is a ridiculous playmaker but he’s also high maintenance. He plays with intense emotion. It’s both his greatest asset and his greatest weakness. The Giants may feel they can work around him not being in the passing game long-term. His value is as high as it’ll ever be.
Dealing him now makes both financial and compensational sense.
New York Jets could be the perfect landing spot
So why the do the Jets stick out as a team that could make sense in a deal? As with most things, it starts with money. They’ll have over $80 million in salary cap space next offseason. That’s more than enough to compensate Beckham on a new contract, even making him the highest-paid receiver in football. They’re also in a much better position now to make such an aggressive move because they’ve solved their lingering quarterback problem.
Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold arrived this offseason. Odds are the latter will be the long-term starter. Giving him a weapon like Beckham would be a huge boost to their offense and accelerate his development as a passer. For the Giants, it makes sense because it puts the receiver out of the NFC where he could entertain thoughts about torturing them every year.
Next: 2018 NFL Trade Machine: Rob Gronkowski to the Dallas Cowboys
Last but not least, it’s a good deal for Beckham himself. It means he wouldn’t have to uproot himself to move elsewhere. He’d be able to stay in New York, keep the same schedule and play in the same stadium. In terms of all things lining up, this one is hard to beat. It comes down to whether the two sides can make any progress on a new contract.
If they fail, one could imagine the trade buzz picks up by the end of October.