Why Are Packers Being Connected To Odell Beckham?
Ever since the New York Giants became open to trading receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the Green Bay Packers have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for ODB.
Perhaps people are just fantasizing about Aaron Rodgers throwing Beckham the ball, but this keeps popping up, not only with fans, but among analysts.
Beckham surpassed 1,300 yards in each of his first three seasons. His 2017 season was cut short because of injury and he only played in four games.
He would be a hell of a weapon for Rodgers to have. Those who subscribe to this fantasy suggest it could happen because Packers’ general manager Brian Gutekunst isn’t afraid to make a splash.
That may be true, but I consider the possibility highly unlikely.
First, there’s the asking price. The Giants reportedly want two first-round picks for Beckham. That is, of course, a starting point for negotiation. I have suggested that if the Packers were to make this trade they could perhaps get Beckham for their first-round pick and Randall Cobb.
The problem with giving up that first-round pick is the Packers still need defensive help in a bad way. They should be able to get a cornerback or edge rusher that can contribute right away at No. 14 overall. They need that pick.
The other issue is money. Beckham is in the final year of his contract. He is being paid $8.4 million. If the Packers shipped out Cobb, whose cap number is $12.7 million, they’d actually gain cap space. But then they have to worry about paying Beckham. Obviously, if you make the trade, you don’t want a one-year rental. And here’s the bigger issue — Beckham reportedly wants $18 million per season.
I have a real hard time thinking someone who doesn’t touch the ball on every play is worth that much money.
That number would put Beckham on top of the receiver pay list, ahead of Antonio Brown’s $17 million annually. It would also mean the Packers would have more than $32 million annually invested in a pair of receivers. Davante Adams’ deal pays him $14.5 million annually.
It’s a delightful thought to think of Rodgers throwing to ODB, but it seems nothing more than a fantasy.
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Then there’s the extra baggage. This guy expressed his unwillingness to play unless being extended. He is basically holding the team hostage and threatening not to comply with his contract. The rookie contracts were agreed upon by the CBA, so they are only open to negotiation for minor details.
He is extremely talented, so the Giants are losing big if he sits for the 2018 season. I also think he starts to lose paychecks for each game missed, so it doesn’t make a lot of sense to drop 8M because the team won’t restructure him so he makes more than his 5th year option wages. He can cash in very soundly after this season.
I would never ever over pay an athlete to join a ballclub. In fact, once their asking price exceeds their value you either trade them or cut them, not the other way around. No one wins a Championship without a top 5-10 defense anyways.
OBJ is a hell of a talent. He’s also a hell of a headache. And soon, he’s also going to cost a hell of a lot of money.
Hard pass, without reservations.
Two words.
1) Headcase
2) No
Cobb for Beckham….one year rental….i’m in.
While giving up the first round pick?
Oh hell no!!
Wait..it’s the Packers, sure, does it matter?
Good point. Cobb+ Randall (if he was still on the team) fo sho
Not even close for GB. Nice fictional story.
He’s an emotionally addled 16 year old girl with a tire fire between the ears. More of a man-child than even Cam Newton.
The only upside would be that he could ride-share to the beef jerky commercials with Clay.