Is Odell Beckham Jr. Worth The Asking Price?

New York Giants superstar WR Odell Beckham Jr. has proven to be one of the most explosive receivers in the NFL today, racking up a total of 4,424 receiving yards and 38 TDs over the course of his four-year career. With that, his rookie contract is coming to a close, and the superstar is now demanding his first major payday.

According to reports, the 25 year-old is looking to be paid $20 million annually on his new deal, which would make him the highest paid wide receiver in football today. Right behind him would be newly-extended Tampa Bay WR Mike Evans, by $3.5 million per year. The debate here is if the former LSU Tiger is worth this large contract.

His off-field antics are surely a concern, with the recently published video of him in a hotel room with what seemed to be a model, pizza, and a white powdery substance that is speculated to be some sort of drug. In addition, Odell’s behavior on the sideline has almost become out of control during select games. When it comes to investing into players, NFL front offices don’t ask for this kind of behavior to be present. By the end, it could come back to bite Beckham Jr. during the negotiation period.

On the field, there is no question that Odell Beckham Jr. is talented. Although he missed a majority of the regular season last year with a devastating ankle/leg injury, the talent he brings to the table is undeniable. In reality, Beckham Jr. has skyrocketed to emerging as one of the premier NFL wide receivers in today’s game. With nearly 40 career TDs in just four seasons, surely Beckham Jr. is due for some sort of payday.

In the end, I do believe that Odell Beckham Jr. could make any team worth their while. With the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns being rumored as trade suitors for the wide receiver, this may be a question of which team he will grant his (long-term) services to.

When healthy, this is a player who can bail his quarterback out of trouble with his pass-catching ability and explosive speed. For the New York Giants specifically, paying Beckham Jr. is more of a common sense barrier. There is a load of upside with this young man, and he is just now entering the prime of his career.

Regardless of which jersey Odell Beckham Jr. is representing in 2018, he will boost the upside of any offense. For select franchises, his services could turn the team into a potential Super Bowl contender.

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