FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers is 0-for-2 in recruiting Odell Beckham Jr. Perhaps the third time would be the appeal.
The New York Jets‘ presumptive quarterback, unsuccessful in 2021 and 2022 when Beckham was a free agent, included him on his so-called want listing, saying lately on “The Pat McAfee Present,” “Who would not need Odell on their group?”
Regardless of a crowded receiver room — 5 gamers with beginning expertise — the Jets and Beckham have mutual curiosity. He’d be their splashiest free-agent signing since working again Le’Veon Bell in 2019, becoming a member of NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months Garrett Wilson and newcomers Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman at wideout.
Lazard additionally was on Rodgers’ listing and — voila! — he landed a four-year, $44 million contract. Clearly, the Jets are doing every little thing they’ll to accommodate Rodgers, whose commerce to them shall be finalized as quickly because the Jets and Inexperienced Bay Packers agree on compensation. On Thursday, Hardman signed a one-year deal that may max out at $6.5 million. Is Ezekiel Elliott subsequent? The previous Dallas Cowboys working again is contemplating the Jets, a supply informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter — maybe one other signal that Rodgers ultimately touchdown in New York has made them a free-agent vacation spot.
“They’re simply intoxicated with Rodgers,” a longtime personnel government stated of the Jets’ brass. “They’ve bought their soul now.”
Rodgers and Beckham have not been teammates earlier than, however they developed a long-distance friendship through the years. Talking final fall to McAfee, Rodgers stated “with a participant like that, you are all the time hoping there is a time when you may determine issues out and play collectively.”
Rodgers and the Packers confirmed curiosity in Beckham when he was launched by the Cleveland Browns in the midst of the 2021 season. Rodgers thought that they had a reliable shot, however Beckham signed with the Los Angeles Rams and gained a Tremendous Bowl. In 2022, when Beckham was flirting with a comeback after his second ACL surgical procedure, Rodgers once more publicly lobbied. This time, his buddy wound up sitting out the season as he continued to get well.
A possible Jets-Beckham pairing is intriguing on so many ranges. Can they afford him? Do they really want one other receiver? Even after Wednesday’s commerce of Elijah Moore to the Browns, they nonetheless have Corey Davis and Denzel Mims on the roster (for now). Maybe the largest query: Is Beckham, who shall be 31 in November and hasn’t performed a recreation in additional than 13 months (since Tremendous Bowl LVI), nonetheless the identical participant?
The Jets, one of many groups that attended his current exercise in Arizona, consider so. They’ve a do-everything receiver in Wilson. They’ve a vertical menace in Hardman, who can affect protection together with his deep pace. They’ve a short- to intermediate goal in Lazard. They consider Beckham would complement them to spherical out their receiving corps, in all probability making Davis ($11.2 million cap) expendable.
Nonetheless, there are questions: Beckham’s final 1,000-yard season got here in 2019 with the Browns. He has 12 receiving touchdowns in his final 37 video games, in comparison with 35 in his first 43 video games (all with the New York Giants). However — and here is the explanation he tantalizes his suitors — he ultimately acquired snug with the Rams and was implausible throughout their championship run.
Within the NFC Championship Recreation, he had 9 catches for 113 yards. Within the Tremendous Bowl, he was off to a terrific begin with two catches for 52 yards earlier than the devastating knee damage.
“Guys like which are good for one 12 months on a prove-it deal,” stated a veteran scout who has studied Beckham intently all through his profession. “If you happen to assume he will be that one man to place you excessive, to get you to a Tremendous Bowl, then do it. If Rodgers likes him and he is , I would have an interest, too, if I have been the Jets.”
Future Corridor of Fame quarterbacks typically have an affinity for sure receivers.
“[Tom] Brady had an infatuation with Antonio Brown, so I get it,” stated the personnel government, alluding to the quarterback-receiver tandem that fizzled in two locations, New England and Tampa Bay. “I am not saying [Beckham] would not have a task — he is nonetheless proficient — however I do not know what baggage he is bringing. He used to have that diva mentality. He is toned it down — maturity occurred alongside the best way — however I do not see him as $10 million or $12 million participant.”
Cash talks.
Beckham’s asking value? Let’s join some dots.
In 2018, Allen Robinson II was a free agent after lacking almost a whole season as a result of an ACL damage and nonetheless landed $14 million per 12 months from the Chicago Bears (three years, $42 million). The Dallas Cowboys had been pursuing Beckham, however pivoted to buying and selling for Brandin Cooks, giving up two draft picks and paying him $12 million in base wage this season — a fairly good indication that Beckham’s value in all probability is a number of million north of $12 million on a one-year deal. The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas Metropolis Chiefs additionally have been linked to Beckham.
You possibly can argue the Jets would have sufficient weapons for Rodgers even with out Beckham. Hardman, explaining his resolution to signal, talked about the opposite receivers as the first cause.
“I believe enjoying alongside [Lazard] shall be nice, and so they’ve acquired a terrific second-year participant now in Garrett Wilson, who had a fully unbelievable 12 months,” Hardman stated Thursday on a Zoom name with reporters. “These names, simply to play alongside them, undoubtedly is engaging.”
One other identify may very well be added to the group, one of many greatest names within the sport.
