The New York Giants and Odell Beckham Jr. have finally come to terms on an extension that makes Beckham the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. Beckham and the Giants agreed upon a five-year $95 million extension with $65 million guaranteed per ESPN’s Josina Anderson. This new deal will change the current relationship between Beckham and the Giants for years.
Beckham has been one of the best players in the NFL since his rookie year. His receiving numbers have consistently been at the top of the league when healthy. In his first three seasons Beckham had 288 receptions off of 457 targets for 4,122 yards and 35 touchdowns.
His numbers in his first three seasons are comparable to Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones. A player who many regard as one of if not the best receiver in football. Jones in that same time span had 323 receptions off of 495 targets for 4,873 yards and 20 touchdowns.
.@OBJ_3‘s contract makes him the highest-paid WR in the NFL.
Who do you think should hold the top spot? 🤑 pic.twitter.com/3p7fqU2v4s
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 29, 2018
Beckham has been making his name known in the league for the last few years becoming arguably the most popular player. From kids dyeing their hair to everyone trying one-handed catches. Beckham’s skills and talent made his rise to fame almost seamless.
However, with all the adulation he garners for his skills, he warrants similar anxiety for his miscues. Beckham’s history has had its share of negativity.
A few instances to name are his run ins with the kicking net. Fights with current Washington Redskins corner back Josh Norman. Then there was the online video with a model and what many thought to be an illegal drug.
He was never suspended or disciplined but his actions were already unacceptable under his prior contract. They are definitely not permissible under his new contract where he is the second highest paid player on the roster.
There are different types of leaders on a roster. Veterans, stars and regularly those who make the most money. Those things can be mutually exclusive depending on the circumstance.
Beckham is entering his fifth season with the Giants which is lends him closer to being a veteran than a rookie. Especially in a league where the average career is three years long.
Talent wise, he is the best player on the team which is why so many have sought for him to be that leader since day one. However, now he has the big contract which warrants he be that leader in the Giants locker room.
His teammates attest the opinion he is anything less than a leader but being a leader is more than what is done on the field or in the weight room. It is also leading off the field in ways that show your teammates how to be professionals.
Taking a trip to Miami on an off day a few days ahead of a playoff game is no issue as long as you ball out. Unfortunately, that was not the case in Beckham’s sole playoff game. He had four receptions on 11 targets for 28 yards. The trip put him under a spotlight to perform that was not necessary.
That added pressure and scrutiny are things a leader avoids all together for the betterment of not only himself, but his teammates. The Giants expects more of Odell than ever before. Especially after making such a seismic investment in him. He will be the face of their franchise until 2023.
The Giants are not paying for the same old Odell, but rather a more mature player who knows that public perception is reality and acts like it. A player who will take them gracefully out of the Manning era into something else.
Something unique to only Odell. An NFL star that shines even brighter at times outside of uniform than in it. It is a big weight to carry but the Giants believe he is the star who can do it.
Brendan Abban is the owner/creator of Brendanabban.com and hosts the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @AbbanBrendan or email him via [email protected].
