Odell Beckham Junior is in the building and ready to go for the first day of the New York Giants offseason conditioning program.
New York Giants fans can breathe—at least for now. Odell Beckham Jr. is reportedly in the building for the first day of the Giants offseason conditioning program. Kim Jones of NFL Network initially reported that Beckham planned on attending.
As I said last night on @WFAN660, Odell Beckham Jr will be at #NYG tomorrow.
— Kimberly Jones (@KimJonesSports) April 8, 2018
Paul Schwartz of the New York Post confirmed Beckham’s presence on Monday morning. In other words: Beckham is there for Pat Shurmur’s first day in the building. To many, this is a big step for both the Giants and Beckham himself.
"I think ALL players it's good and important they are here and working together.''
Shurmur said he has not seen Odell yet but "I know he's in the building.''— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) April 9, 2018
The past month or so has been filled with numerous dramatic moments in the OBJ saga. From the video of him with what appeared to be multiple drugs, to trade rumors involving the New York Giants and OBJ, to the star wideout reportedly holding out until a new contract is signed. All in all this offseason has been a roller coaster that could’ve ended with the fifth year man out of LSU dressed in a new uniform. However, he’s in the building for day one, and Pat Shurmur is aware and anticipated him to be there.
Shurmur, on what Odell Beckham's presence at Day 1 of the program means: "I’m not overthinking this. This is the first day of work. I think it’s important that Odell is here. I look forward to Odell getting one day better."
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) April 9, 2018
Shurmur stated in a press conference that he talked to Odell recently, with that specific video being discussed in the conversation. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula also stated in his welcoming press conference on Wednesday that he’s “excited” to work with the star receiver, as well as stating that he has “big plans” for his usage in the offense.
Although individual on-field assignments don’t begin for a few weeks, Odell being with the team in the facility is a huge sigh of relief for fans, at least for the time being. There is still 17 days before the NFL Draft begins on April 26th, so the front office could still make some big changes before that time period begins. They could trade Beckham and get another first round pick or two out of it, and could still trade their number two pick, getting numerous early round picks there as well.
Decisions involving Odell and the team as a whole still need to be made by John Mara and GM Dave Gettleman. But for right now, it’s nice to see Beckham in the building ready to work.