(Audacy Sports/WGR 550) - Odell Beckham Jr. has been making the rounds, visiting the New York Giants, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys, among other stops on his free agent tour.
The 30-year-old receiver, coming off a torn ACL suffered in last year’s Super Bowl, was expected to have a home by now, though, for reasons still unclear, Beckham Jr. has yet to sign.
Beckham Jr. likely didn’t do himself any favors by declining to work out during his recent trip to Dallas (where he was spotted sitting courtside with Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs and others at the Dallas Mavericks game Monday night), fueling speculation he might not be game-ready until the playoffs, which are a month away.
Beckham Jr. didn’t deny that during his appearance on Amazon’s "Thursday Night Football" simulcast hosted by Maverick Carter, suggesting that, at this point, he’d prefer to wait for the playoffs than return for what little remains of the 2022 regular season.
“I haven’t made a decision,” said Beckham Jr., who upon joining the Los Angeles Rams late last season, impressed with seven touchdowns in only 12 games, and was having a phenomenal Super Bowl before his knee gave out in the second quarter. “I would like to be in a stable environment, get up 6 a.m., leave at 6 p.m. for four weeks, and then let’s talk about it.”
For all his talent, Beckham Jr., throughout his career, has frequently rubbed teammates and coaches the wrong way, developing a reputation for being high-maintenance and a locker room cancer.
DeMarcus Lawrence didn’t mince words when asked about the situation earlier this week, suggesting the media spectacle gathering around Beckham Jr. could be a distraction for the Cowboys amid their postseason push.
“I’m trying to reach a Super Bowl. So if he can come and help us with that, then yes, I’ll accept him,” said the veteran pass-rusher. “But if we’re just going to do the circus? No [thanks].”
Teams are always in search of fresh legs, particularly this time of year with injuries taking a heavy toll. However, there isn’t much precedent for players making an immediate impact in the playoffs without playing, at least, a handful of regular season games first.
That’s a big ask of someone coming off major knee surgery, though Beckham Jr. doesn’t seem to be sweating it, expressing the utmost confidence he’d be able to help any team that he signs with.
“I’ve played football for a long time. I’m not saying I couldn’t step in and play the regular season, but I don’t see the point, I really don’t,” said the three-time Pro Bowler. “I would rather play when that pressure’s on. I would rather play when the lights are on.”
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