A day before he was set to meet with the New York Jets, Odell Beckham Jr. made his free-agent decision.
Beckham announced on his Instagram account that he intends to join the Baltimore Ravens. The stunning decision ends a lengthy process dating all the way back to last February. In Super Bowl LVI, Beckham Jr. tore his ACL and effectively ruling him out for the 2022-23 season.
Odell courted several teams, including the Jets, the New York Giants, and most notably the Dallas Cowboys. The Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs were also linked to Odell at one point, as were the Los Angeles Rams. Odell last played for the Rams in Super Bowl LVI, a game the team won, so he could consider himself a Super Bowl Champion.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Odell Beckham Jr. could make up to $18 million.
“The #Ravens are giving WR Odell Beckham Jr. a 1-year deal worth up to $18M,” Rapoport tweeted.
Sources: The #Ravens are giving WR Odell Beckham Jr. a 1-year deal worth up to $18M, per me, @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero. A weapon for Baltimore’s QB. pic.twitter.com/q9F8wBT19A
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2023
Certainly, nobody really had Baltimore on Odell’s radar. The star wide receiver was rumored to be on Aaron Rodgers’ wish list, should Rodgers get traded to the Jets. Now though, Odell will indeed head to the AFC. But he will go down to the Ravens in a fascinating scenario. Especially since we’re not quite sure who will be at quarterback for the team yet.
The NFL world was stunned by the news.
Yesterday OBJ told me that he “was feeling more love from the Ravens” even though he was set to visit the Jets Monday. Odell always follows his heart. Today is no different. pic.twitter.com/4ey9EjvxqW
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 9, 2023
Odell Beckham Jr. is signing with the Ravens. BALTIMORE IS LIT RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/lanUbexSOq
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 9, 2023
WELCOME TO THE FLOCK, @obj!
The Ravens are signing star FA WR Odell Beckham Jr to a 1-year deal, worth up to $18M, per @RapSheet.
He’s coming to Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/uGX9OHuXq1
— 𝗥𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 (@LIVERavenNation) April 9, 2023
The #Jets had planned to host Odell Beckham Jr on a visit starting tonight. Baltimore stepped up with money. Now he’s a member of the #Ravens. https://t.co/o68vdU4f8h
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2023
FWIW: The #Jets didn’t NEED Odell Beckham. Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Corey Davis — yes, they might keep him now — is a quality WR room.
But… Odell would’ve given the Jets one of the most talented WR rooms in the NFL. Just got too expensive.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) April 9, 2023
Not worth that contract with character concerns and not being sure where he’s at physically. If the Jets had a ton of cap then it would be worth the risk, but they would have to clear more cap space to bring him in.
— Dan (@dmmaster_paine) April 9, 2023
Odell gone to Baltimore before the Jets even sit w him.
Let this be a lesson. Get the deal done, or someone else will.
Joe D…Don’t lose another BIGTIME player this off-season bc you just expect the deal will get done. https://t.co/N1eA5q6k0o
— Chris Manno (@Mann_O_Steel17) April 9, 2023
