By WFAN.com
The Giants are ready to start negotiating a new contract with Odell Beckham Jr., team co-owner John Mara said Thursday.
Beckham is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to earn $8.5 million this season.
The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is reportedly seeking a long-term deal that would make him the NFL's highest-paid wide receiver. Right now, that honor belongs to Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown, who makes $17 million a year.
Mara told reporters at training camp in East Rutherford, New Jersey, that the Giants will begin speaking to Beckham's agents "sooner rather than later."
"We want Odell to be a Giant for a long time," Mara told reporters. "We think we know what it's going to take (to sign him). Hopefully they agree."
While the Giants did entertain trade offers for Beckham, 25, during the offseason, Mara said negotiating now has always been in line with the timeframe he had in his mind.
Mara added that Beckham's attendance during spring workouts and voluntary minicamps and his on-time arrival to training camp have made it easier to commit to him long term.
"We're happy he's wearing blue," Mara said.
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The Giants selected Beckham with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 draft. Over his first three seasons, he amassed 288 receptions for 1,374 yards and 35 touchdowns. He was voted Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2014.
Beckham played in just four games in 2017, his season cut short by a broken ankle. Prior to the injury, he had 25 catches for 302 yards and three TDs.
