The Jets are advised to set their sights on Odell Beckham Jr., if he becomes available following his release from the Ravens, as speculation swirls within the NFL free agency circle.
Odell Beckham Jr. was sidelined for the whole 2022 NFL season because of a torn ACL in his left knee, only to make a comeback and sign up with the Baltimore Ravens for the 2023 season. Despite this, his tenure with the team might be short-lived, potentially ending after just one season.
Throughout his nine years in the NFL, Beckham has been part of four different teams, including stints with the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Rams. What could be the next destination for the talented player from LSU?
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson contends that Beckham might find his way back to the Rams or Ravens as a logical move. However, the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets were also highlighted as potential favorable destinations for the experienced wide receiver.
Jeff Zrebiec from The Athletic has indicated that Beckham is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the next few days. According to the report, it’s anticipated that the 31-year-old receiver will be released after June 1.
Throughout his singular season with the Ravens, Beckham was not frequently targeted. During his 14-game appearances, he managed to secure 35 receptions, accumulating 565 yards and scoring three times. Nevertheless, this has been his highest yardage since he achieved 1,035 yards back in his inaugural season with Cleveland in 2019.
For Beckham, at this stage in his career, the Jets could present the most promising chance among those teams.
At this stage in his career, Beckham still possesses the ability to be an efficacious wide receiver. The Jets, looking forward to the 2024 season, will probably be in search of an athlete of his caliber to bring equilibrium to their wide receiver group.
The Jets were reportedly after Beckham in the previous offseason, and he expressed interest in returning to New York. However, during an appearance on the Punch Line Podcast earlier in the year, he revealed that the offer from the team was not promptly pursued.
This doesn’t imply that Beckham and the Jets aren’t capable of figuring out an agreement at the moment.
The Jets’ offensive lineup is already graced with skillful athletes, including Breece Hall in the running back position and Garrett Wilson catching passes as wide receiver. However, adding a seasoned professional like Beckham into the mix would not only elevate the team’s performance but also serve as a valuable resource for guidance and mentoring for the roster’s emerging talents.
Assuming that Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback, maintains his health following his almost entire absence in the 2023 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left foot, New York stands a stronger chance to compete in the forthcoming season.
Signing Beckham to an extended contract wouldn’t seem logical for New York. Yet, should he be amenable to a yearly agreement, this arrangement might prove mutually advantageous for both him and the Jets.
Regardless of the outcome, it seems inevitable for Beckham to enter the free-agent arena. Consequently, several teams would likely be keen on acquiring his services. Among these, the Jets ought to position themselves to explore a possible association.
