Could a return to the Big Apple in be in store for Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason?
A report from Sports Illustrated indicated that while Beckham Jr. is not actively seeking a trade from the Browns, he would “welcome a return to New York” if Cleveland opted to move him. Beckham Jr. spent the first five years of his career with the New York Giants before they shipped him out last offseason. Could the Jets now attempt to land Big Blue’s former receiver?
Let’s say general manager Joe Douglas and company are interested in acquiring the 27-year-old wideout. What exactly would they be getting? Here are the pros and cons of a potential trade for one of the most polarizing figures in football.
Pro: Beckham Jr.’s on-field value
There is no denying that Beckham Jr. is one of the most electric wide receivers in football when he is healthy. Excluding his injury-shortened 2017 season, Beckham Jr. has never caught less than 70 passes in a season and has eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau five times.
The Jets are extremely thin at wide receiver. If Robby Anderson doesn’t re-sign, New York will have next to nothing at the position. Beckham Jr. would not only solidify the group, but give Sam Darnold a legitimate No. 1 receiver to throw to.
Cons: Beckham Jr.’s Baggage
Between his numerous tantrums on the sidelines with the Giants, aggravating on-field antics and a demeanor off the field that rubs many the wrong way, the Jets would have to deal with all of the baggage that Beckham Jr. brings back to the Big Apple.
The Giants traded Beckham Jr. for a reason. They felt his antics weren’t worth dealing with. That’s enough of a reason for Joe Douglas to feel hesitant about any pursuit of the star receiver.
Pro: He knows what it’s like to play in New York
Not everyone can handle playing in New York. From the intense fan pressure to constant media scrutiny, playing under the bright lights of the Big Apple is simply not for everyone.
Beckham Jr. could’ve handled himself a bit better in his first go-around in the city, but at least he knows what it takes to get the job done under constant pressure.
Beckham Jr. has experienced the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows in New York. These experiences have afforded him valuable lessons that could make a hypothetical return to New York a fruitful one.
Con: Locker Room Concerns
Considering Beckham Jr.’s reputation, is he really a guy the Jets want in their locker room?
It’s hard not to imagine Beckham Jr. and Adam Gase butting heads at some point if the LSU product was to come to the Jets. Their personalities are just too different to thrive working in the same environment. There is also the diva receiver trait that follows Beckham Jr. around. The last thing Sam Darnold needs as he continues to progress is a disgruntled receiver screaming for the ball on every single play.
Yes, Beckham Jr. is tight with Jamal Adams and odds are his former college teammate would do everything in his power to keep him in check. There is only so much damage control you could do with a strong personality like Beckham Jr., though.
