Giants take another positive step before NFL Draft
By Steve Ekenstierna (@Stevie_oneduhh)
With all eyes focused on the NFL draft starting this Thursday in Philadelphia. Odell Beckham Jr. was able to do something he’s proven to have a hard time with; flying under the radar.
As first reported in a tweet by NFL Network’s Kim Jones, the New York Giants exercised their team option 5th year of Odell’s rookie contract. For those who don’t know, only first round picks get 5th year options on their contracts. This years deadline for each team who had a player who was a 1st round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, was the 3rd of May.
This move is an absolute “no brainer” for the Giants. It’s the last year before Beckham gets really paid. This upcoming offseason expect some anxious moments when the negotiating tug-of-war begins between Odell’s people and the Giants front office. Think Victor Cruz but with way more ego involved (on both sides) and a whole lot more money being discussed.
Rightly so, on the field this man is next level. In under 4 seasons he has 35 TD rec, 4,122 rec yds (2nd most), 288rec (1st). He’s looking at potentially record contract for a receiver. There’s just one caveat to that grand plan. That caveat being the ever useful, often irritating and drama causing, Franchise Tag. The tag has been the scapegoat for front offices across the NFL since its inception. It screws the player out of the opportunity to negotiate a long-term deal in a sport without guaranteed contracts, combined with every play putting their bodies through a violent car crash.
Picking up the 5th year was expected and starts the epic countdown to a historic payday. For now…enjoy the draft because when that day comes less than a year from now it will be all hands on deck to keep Odell in Giants blue for years to come. If the Giants use the Franchise Tag, despite it seemingly having negative connotations, remember it’s was collectively bargained and agreed upon by the NFLPA.
Everyone believes Beckham wants to be in NY, including the New York Giants senior management and ownership. He’s still has some growing up to do, but he’s not a bad guy or a guy who you worry about getting in trouble off the field. He has a close relationship with the Giants front office and they will be part of helping that growth.
So while the news of the Giants picking up the 5th year option on Beckham’s contract seems like a formality, it starts the countdown to what could be a war of a negotiations and months of analysation by talking heads. Either way No. 13 is in house and one way or another the Mara’s and the Tisch’s will make sure Beckham is happy.
Fear not Giants Fans, Odell will be strutting around the “MetLife” end-zone like Connor Mcgregor after torching Josh Norman for many more years to come. Picking up this option is just the next step in this process, and just the beginning of what should be a long and successful partnership between Odell Beckham Jr, and the New York Giants.