Author: Monojit Mandal
Standout wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has found a new place in the National Football League (NFL) arena and will return to the AFC North, this time in the purple and black uniform of the Baltimore Ravens. Beckham has agreed to a one-year contract with the Ravens worth up to $18 million, according to Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network Insiders. The contract contains a signing bonus of $13.835 million, a basic salary of $1.165 million and $3 million in potential increments.
Beckham, who had been a free agent since the end of the 2021 season, spent the year recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while assisting the Los Angeles Rams during their Super Bowl LVI victory. Despite having several suitors last year, the Super Bowl winner opted to take his time and concentrate on his recovery.
Throughout his eight-season career with the Giants, Browns and Rams, Beckham has created headlines and racked up scores in equal measure, totaling 7,367 receiving yards and 56 touchdowns since his debut in 2014. He also has an average per reception of 13.9 yards and, at the age of 30, still has a lot to contribute.
At least one club was surprised by Beckham’s willingness to sign with the Ravens: the New York Jets, who actually intended to host the three-time Pro Bowler on a visit from Sunday night. That would include a physical test and a discussion about what he should expect from an Aaron Rodgers-led offense, according to Rapoport. The Ravens, on the other hand, came up with the money and made an attractive offer.
If quarterback Lamar Jackson remains in Baltimore, the combination of Jackson and Beckham could cause problems for teams around the league. Beckham is known for his ability to make spectacular receptions and significantly improve his team’s offensive power. This trade significantly improves the Ravens’ receiving corps and increases their chances of making a deep postseason run.