6 Teams in the Running for Superstar WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Odell Beckham Jr. revitalized his career following a midseason trade in 2021. After a disappointing stint in Cleveland, OBJ found his way to the Los Angeles Rams — and served as a spark plug during the Super Bowl run that season.

Unfortunately, Beckham tore his knee up in the second quarter of the Super Bowl after already catching a touchdown earlier in the contest. He was on the cusp of winning SBMVP before tragedy struck.

Due to the timing of the injury, Odell knew it would be an uphill climb to take the field in 2022. Teams came calling late in the season and even held some workouts with the still-recovering receiver, but ultimately no deal was made between OBJ and a prospective team.

The most vocal team during Beckham’s recruiting was the Dallas Cowboys. From CeeDee Lamb to Ezekiel Elliott to Dak Prescott… several members of the Cowboys lobbied for the signing of Beckham.

As we know, Dallas pivoted away from Beckham and instead signed veteran TY Hilton for the remainder of the 2022 season. Hilton contributed and made some clutch catches down the stretch, but now the Cowboys find themselves in the same position as last season.

6 Teams in the Running for Superstar WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr. recently worked out in front of “at least a dozen” NFL teams. Reports say he looked explosive and is carrying more weight on his frame than we are accustomed to seeing. The added muscle is surely an attempt to avoid another future lower-body injury.

The fact Odell looked as explosive as ever while carrying these added pounds is enticing. He has always been able to win with athleticism, but it looks as though Beckham is committing to a more well-rounded approach as he ages.

Another report states that Beckham is searching for upwards of $20 million per year in his next contract. Coming off such a devastating injury and a full year on the shelf, it is unlikely Beckham reaches this number — without a slew of incentives layered into the deal.

The Dallas Cowboys remain near the top of the list for Beckham suitors. What other squads should make a play for the former All-Pro? Here is a rundown of six teams that should at least kick the tires.

 6. New York Giants

A reunion for the Giants and former first-round pick Odell Beckham? New York started Beckham’s career by selecting him at No. 12 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. OBJ broke out immediately as a rookie, including the “catch heard ‘round the world” vs. the Cowboys.

Beckham blossomed into one of the best players in the entire NFL with the Giants. However, after five seasons together, the pair began to drift apart. Following a few dramatic months leading up to the 2019 offseason, Beckham was traded to the Cleveland Browns.

It is a new regime in New York nowadays with Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll leading the way. The Giants desperately need a true WR1 on the roster, and it would be smart for the front office to inquire about a re-connection.

5. Chicago Bears

Here is my wildcard of all wildcards. Beckham likely wants to go somewhere with a chance of winning a Super Bowl in 2023. Well, even with an exciting free agency and draft ahead, the Bears will not be that caliber of team next season.

After acquiring DJ Moore and Chase Claypool in the past 12 months and adding them to Darnell Mooney, Chicago boasts a promising trio of pass catchers. One way to capitalize on the team’s available cap space is by signing another capable, veteran receiver.

The Bears can throw as much money as anyone else at Beckham. Justin Fields is poised to take a third-year leap with these new weapons… OBJ would just be a cherry on top of it all.

4. Kansas City Chiefs

The fans of 31 other franchises just collectively rolled their eyes reading this, but you can’t say I’m wrong. The Chiefs traded away lightning-rod Tyreek Hill last offseason, committing to more of a “build through the draft” approach.

The result of this shift? A Super Bowl title. So, why would Kansas City shell out the cash for a receiver over 30 and coming off a major knee injury? Simple answer: because they can.

Beckham is asking for $20 million per year, but a situation as ideal as Kansas City could change that stance. What better way to re-establish yourself in the NFL world than becoming the top receiver in a Patrick Mahomes-Andy Reid offense?

3. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills, along with the next team on the list, were one of the two teams most linked to Beckham during the 2022 season. Stefon Diggs is still Stefon Diggs, but the play from Gabriel Davis left much to be desired.

There are more pressing needs on the roster, to be sure. But one way to open up running lanes is by adding a game-breaking threat to the receiver room.

Imagine trying to defend Diggs, Beckham, and Davis, while attempting to keep Josh Allen from scrambling and winning with his legs. Talk about a catch-22 for opposing defenses.

2. Dallas Cowboys

The most likely team to add Odell Beckham Jr. is the franchise most linked to him all along — the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Mike McCarthy moved on from offensive coordinator Kellen Moore this offseason, clearing the way for Brian Schottenheimer to assume the role in 2023.

At his disposal is the still-ascending talent of CeeDee Lamb. Opposite Lamb, the Cowboys received disappointing contributions from Michael Gallup. Fresh off a late-season ACL tear, Gallup hurried back for the 2022 season and looked like a shell of himself.

Dallas almost signed Beckham last season, and the need for a player of his caliber is still ever-present on the roster. Money won’t be an issue in negotiations, and both parties have a mutual interest in an eventual pairing. That being said… one team ranks higher than them on this list.

1. New England Patriots

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have missed the playoffs two out of the last three seasons. The front office will make a concerted effort to avoid another year without postseason football.

The receiver room is the weakest spot on the roster right now. Re-treads DeVante Parker and Nelson Agoholor failed to rebound after disappointing starts to their careers.

Jakobi Meyers is serviceable, but should never be higher than WR3 on a depth chart. He is headed to Vegas to reunite with Josh McDaniels. The team’s second-rounder from last year’s draft, Tyquan Thornton, offered glimpses of what he could be but still falls under the unproven umbrella.

Beckham and the Patriots have been linked several times over the years, dating back to the first time the star receiver switched teams in the 2019 offseason. The Patriots’ brass was in attendance during Beckham’s workout, signaling the continued interest in adding him to the fold.

Assuming Odell Beckham Jr. doesn’t land the $20 million per year deal he’s searching for, the Patriots make the most sense in terms of fit and need. Even if they have to pony up premium money for Beckham, it is worth it given the lackluster free agency class and divisive rookie class.