Star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is exactly that, a star with game-changing ability. He’s also exactly what the Giants need for their offense.
He’s a playmaker with charisma, swag, and the type of talent which can elevate his teammates to higher levels of play.
For the last nine months, Beckham has been sidelined while working his way back from tearing his ACL during Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams.
Beckham’s pending return has kept NFL fans on alert for when he’s officially ready to go again. It looks like that time is almost here.
As first reported by FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer on Sunday, Beckham is expected to be fully cleared to play in the next week. This makes him, easily, the hottest free agent on the market.
Among those many suitors, are the surprising New York Giants.
For teams already on the Super Bowl-or-bust level, Beckham can be the last piece to the blueprint. For teams, like the Giants, looking to make a playoff push, he’s an ideal fit.
There’s a flip side to this coin, however, which makes Beckham even more appealing.
At 30 years old, with a Super Bowl championship on his resume, Beckham brings experience to the table. Additionally, off the field, he’s a father now. When you listen to Beckham talk, there’s a hint of wisdom which emits from him. He’s been there, he knows what it takes to win.
Beckham recently spoke with Complex Sports; he listed the Giants as a team he’d be interested in.
“Whether it’s Buffalo, whether it was Green Bay calling, the Cowboys, a reunion with the Giants, I want to be able to spill like my last — I’m not saying I’ve only got three or four left. But these next three or four years into something where I can buy a home, I can call this place a home. … I’m tired of living out of two-week suitcases. I’ve done the rock and roll life.”
It’s no secret around the league the Giants have a massive void at the wide receiver position. This team needs a big-time playmaker.
This season, first-year head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka have turned lemons into lemonade with their game planning. Imagine a scenario where a more mature quarterback in Daniel Jones can establish on-field chemistry with Beckham running routes to get open.
A healthy and motivated Beckham unlocks a plethora of options for the Giants. Jones, a resurgent Saquon Barkley, and Beckham is a scary thought for opponents to try and scheme against.
If Odell Beckham Jr. were to sign with the Giants, the storylines around it would be endless. Drafted by the Giants in 2014, this is where Beckham emerged as one of the best receivers in the game.
There were times back then where his moves off the field overshadowed his play on it. There’s no doubting, however, his talent. Fast forward to now, a more mature, grounded Beckham, looking for stability.
You never know unless you try.
It obviously must be beneficial for both sides, specifically in terms of money and years. Moreover, there will be plenty of competition for Beckham’s services.
Worst-case scenario is he tells the Giants “thanks, but no thanks”. For the Giants, what do you lose in that? You’re still a team trending towards the postseason, while still laying the foundation for long-term success.
But you never know unless you play the game. Odell Beckham Jr. is ready to play.
A reunion could be in the works if the Giants shoot their shot.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
