The 2018 NFL Preseason has begun and New York Giants Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is looking to become the highest paid receiver in football.
Beckham Jr. has been one of the more prolific players in the NFL over his four years in the league. Based on stats alone, he is in the same conversation with some of the league's best: Julio Jones, Antonio Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, and Jarvis Landry.
Comparing all the above players stats, Odell Beckham Jr. ranks fifth in receptions and yards while being second in touchdowns. He is a top five receiver in the NFL. In fact, he would rank fourth based on statistical averages since his rookie season.
Average Statistical Ranking based on number of receptions, yards, and touchdowns:
1. Antonio Brown
2. Julio Jones
3. DeAndre Hopkins
4. Odell Beckham Jr.
5. Mike Evans
6. Jarvis Landry
What is Beckham Jr. really worth?
Looking at OBJ's talent alone, he falls in the category of a top five receiver. Unfortunately, some on and off the field antics and last years season ending injury could cost Beckham Jr. a historic paycheck.
The infamous Miami boat trip days before a playoff game in Green Bay will certainly hurt. OBJ caught only four passes for 28 yards in his only career playoff game. He also dropped three passes. He was ineffective when it mattered most.
Other incidences include fighting a kicking net on the sideline, his temper tantrum during a game vs. the Panthers, imitating a dog urinating after a touchdown and worst of all, being recorded with a blunt and "white substance" cut into lines next to him in a hotel room during the offseason. (all video links are listed at the end of the article)
Although a great talent, Beckham Jr. could be labeled with "baggage". The Giants even bought into the mess somewhat by shopping OBJ during the offseason. Rumors of the Rams, Patriots, and 49ers being interested went nowhere raising the question, how much is Odell Beckham really worth?
Talent wise he should be paid like the number four rated receiver but with his baggage should still place somewhere in the top ten. It all depends on how much the Giants value him.
Julio Jones recently had his contract reworked with the Falcons. Stefon Diggs, Sammy Watkins, Davante Adams, and Brandin Cooks all signed new contracts with their respected teams as well.
Where does that leave OBJ?
Odell Beckham missed nearly all of the 2017 season with a fractured ankle. Will he be 100 percent healthy? Only time will tell. If his unprofessional antics continue, is he worth the negative attention?
Beckham has done all that is necessary to secure a preseason contract extension. He has attended voluntary team workouts and stayed out of the public eye. He has even taken rookie running back SaQuon Barkley under his wing. The onlything left is to see him play.
If Beckham Jr. can fully recover from his injury, prove to still be a top five receiving talent, and shy away from negative media attention the Giants will have to be pay up. Recently Beckham Jr. has become somewhat of a "diva" to some and possibly including the Giants. He can change that this year. OBJ can change his public image from "diva" to elite pro athlete.
Beckham's desired contract is to be the highest paid receiver. He should be the number four highest paid receiver right behind the Texans DeAndre Hopkins based on statistical averages. If paid accordingly, Beckham would receive a five year deal worth $80 million. An efficient amount for the number four ranked receiver in the NFL.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9TKsvHTf-k - OBJ fighting a kicking net
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTcaAmHkXXQ - OBJ's tantrum vs. the Panthers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LNv_phcVX8 - OBJ's dog celebration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRCqLRSAnaM - "White substance" video