Cash often talks on the subject of your fundamental contract. Nonetheless, within the case of Lamar Jackson vs. Baltimore Ravens, the superb Easter deal that sends Odell Beckham Jr. to Allure Metropolis comes with the potential of serious added worth.
Like some type of critical goodwill gesture.
Did you see the social media publish that went viral shortly after Beckham introduced the transfer?
It was Jackson, Face-Timing with OBJ, roaring with celebratory approval.
After all, there’s nonetheless the query of the Ravens signing the franchise-tagged Jackson to a long-term contract as their prospects on the free agent market slide into large debates that embrace assured cash and allegations of collusion.
However including OBJ to the combo screams a powerful message from the Ravens to @New_Era8: We have added the very best receiver in the marketplace.
What a easy transfer. As experiences circulated that Beckham, Jr., 30, was scheduled to fulfill with the New York Jets on Monday, the Ravens — who met with Beckham throughout latest NFL house owners conferences in Phoenix — stepped in and so they stopped all different competitors by signing the star wideout to a one-year deal that’s stated to ensure $15 million.
That is what you name cash properly spent. By no means thoughts that we have not seen OBJ in motion since Tremendous Bowl 56 with the Los Angeles Rams, when he tore his ACL whereas operating a crossing route within the second quarter. Keep in mind, Aaron Rodgers acknowledged that he nonetheless hoped to play with Beckham because the four-time MVP of the NFL awaits his commerce with the New York Jets.
And Rodgers was simply one of many large names linked to OBJ’s pursuit. Saquon Barkley has sought a reunion with the New York Giants. Von Miller envisioned a pairing with the Buffalo Payments. Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones thought he had a deal in December to land Beckham for no less than one playoff run final season. Rams coach Sean McVay by no means closed the door on bringing the receiver again.
Now, after Beckham spent the 2022 season rehabilitating his left knee, he’s assembly with new Ravens coordinator Todd Monken – who coordinated the Cleveland Browns offense in 2019, when OBJ had his final season of 1000 yards earlier than the autumn with Baker Mayfield and the Tremendous. Bowl drive in LA – and a hyperlink with Jackson.
If he stays wholesome, Beckham will emerge as the following veteran broad receiver to land in Baltimore for a major renaissance, following within the footsteps of Steve Smith (2014-16), Anquan Boldin (2010-12) and, at somewhat bit, Mike. Wallace (2016-17). The Ravens have had an embarrassing historical past on the subject of growing high-round draft picks used on receivers, however there is no denying their potential to use the veteran market, even when Sammy Watkins (2021) did not work out. properly
Beckham’s presence, even when he does not produce monster numbers, might steadiness a Ravens offense fueled by Jackson’s a number of sizes as a thrower and runner and make him larger threats than star tight finish Mark Andrews and the rising operating again JK Dobbins.
Will Beckham, unable to land a long-term deal at a fascinating worth, return to all-pro type?
It is a honest query for a 30-year-old and positively a motivating issue for Beckham, who has undergone two surgical procedures for his left ACL since 2020.
Nonetheless, contemplate this: Earlier than he suffered the non-contact harm within the Tremendous Bowl, Beckham seemed to be within the operating for the Tremendous Bowl MVP honor that finally went to Cooper Kupp. He caught the primary landing of the sport and began the drive for the following Rams TD with a 35-yard catch. He solely appeared to heat up when he was struck by the harm.
This, after watching him produce one large play after one other as maybe essentially the most spectacular participant on the sphere throughout Tremendous Bowl apply week — bear in mind, Kupp, Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald had been additionally on that area. Then all the things was canceled by the harm.
Within the Not-For-Lengthy world of the NFL, as within the inventory market, previous efficiency by no means ensures future success. But Beckham is certainly definitely worth the risk-versus-reward funding for the Ravens.
The opposite query, nevertheless, revolves round Jackson.
If the addition of OBJ might help transfer the needle with Jackson — on high of the cash — then the Ravens might actually get one thing for his or her buck.
Observe Jarrett Bell of USA TODAY Sports activities on Twitter @JarrettBell.
