The New York Giants intend to make Odell Beckham Jr. the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL before the start of the regular season.
Per a report from Ian Rapoport, the New York Giants and Odell Beckham Jr.’s agent Zeke Sandhu have exchanged in “good-faith negotiations.” Despite an earlier report from Josina Anderson stating the Giants offered Beckham a lower per-year salary than the Chiefs offered receiver, Sammy Watkins. Now reports state the Giants intend to make Beckham the highest-paid receiver in the league.
Over the past several days, Odell Beckham Jr’s agent Zeke Sandhu & the #Giants engaged in good-faith negotiations on a deal that would make him the highest paid WR in the NFL, sources say. They aren’t there yet, but the sides are encouraged a deal could be done before the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2018
[2/2] My understanding is that the Giants are currently valuing Odell Beckham at a total average per year below Sammy Watkins. #ContractTalks
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 6, 2018
Although it’s not a done deal, the contract could be signed before OBJ steps on the field for Week 1. This proves there’s a movement towards a complete sigh of relief for Giants fans. The contract extension and anticipated large payday for OBJ has been a tiring journey for many fans. However, it could conclude with a happy ending.
As said by Giants co-owner John Mara in late July, contract talks for the receiver were to happen “sooner rather than later.” The Giants front office recognizes Beckham’s improvement in character and attitude this past offseason.
He’s keeping a low profile and he’s making team-first football decisions. Beckham elected to attend OTAs this season, after not attending in 2017. He also decided not to hold-out in training camp, despite the contract situation. The 2014 Offensive Rookie of the Year is fully focused on all-things-football right now. This includes working towards a championship season for the G-Men.
Beckham currently is set to make $8 million in 2018, the final year of his rookie deal. He, along with his agent Sandhu are pushing towards a payday that gives Beckham around $18 million per year. If the front office can get the job done, it would be huge for this Giants team. A definite plus for an organization that’s looking to bounce back from a disheartening 3-13 season in 2017.