New York Giants owner John Mara plans to begin discussions on an extension with Odell Beckham Jr. soon as training camp opens.
Good things come to those who wait. It’s a phrase that gets thrown around a lot, and it’s one that New York Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. is seeing the first-hand effects of.
The owner of the Giants, John Mara, told reporters that he intends to talk to Beckham’s agents “sooner rather than later” per Matt Lombardo of NJ.com.
John Mara: I anticipate that we’ll be speaking with Odell Beckham’s agents sooner rather than later. I think those will start soon. #Giants
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) July 26, 2018
Beckham Jr. arrived at camp earlier in the week, ending holdout speculation that probably should have ended a month ago when he told reporters that he was going to attend camp. Mara did say that Beckham Jr. attending camp and being there for the offseason program has influenced the team’s thinking.
John Mara: This was the timing that we always had in mind. Odell has grown personally. He came in with the right mindset, a smile on his face, and that certainly had an effect on our mindset. #Giants
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) July 26, 2018
He took a different route than other stars from his draft class Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack, both of whom are holding out. Beckham Jr. attending camp and being in the right frame of mind is a good sign for fans and team personnel who have long been frustrated with off-field issues and perceived lack of maturity for the ultra-talented wide receiver.
Part of the reason Beckham’s extension has taken so long to get off the ground may have to do with the health of general manager Dave Gettleman. Gettleman was diagnosed with lymphoma, which is in remission according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
While Gettleman was able to serve as general manager while undergoing treatment, the team would probably have preferred him to be at full health while handling Beckham’s extension, which is not urgent for the team since they can place a franchise tag on him should no deal be reached.
In four years in the NFL, Beckham Jr. has established himself as one of the best players in the league. He mad the Pro Bowl from 2014-2016, and probably would have made it in 2017 had he not missed all but four games.
He has 313 receptions for 4,424 yards and 38 TDs through His first 47 games, and the Giants appear ready to commit to keeping his production around long-term.
