NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport revealed how the Baltimore Ravens were able to sign wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. away from the New York Jets.
When it came to the 2023 wide receiver free agency class, it wasn’t exactly loaded. However, there was one big name sitting at the top, and it was Odell Beckham Jr. Coming off of a torn ACL in Super Bowl 56 and having an impressive workout for interested teams last month, Beckham created a market for himself, and he now has a new home.
On Sunday, Beckham announced on his Instagram that he was signing with the Baltimore Ravens. This announcement came one day before Beckham was supposed to meet with the Jets in the New York area on Monday, where he would seemingly work out a contract with the AFC East team.
So, what caused the Ravens to beat the Jets for Beckham’s services? The answer, per NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport, was simple — the Ravens “stepped up with money.”
Odell Beckham Jr. spurns Jets after Ravens step up with money
Beckham’s contract with the Ravens is for one-year, which is worth up to $18 million. On this new deal, Beckham is guaranteed $15 million for the 2023 season, per NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that Beckham had called the Jets and gave them the chance to match the Ravens’ offer. The Jets declined to do so.
The Jets were linked to Beckham this offseason, especially after an ESPN report indicated that quarterback Aaron Rodgers had him on his “wish list.” Of course, Rodgers announced that he intends to play for the Jets in 2023. But, New York and the Green Bay Packers have to finalize a trade package. Beckham was also spotted speaking with Jets head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas at the annual league meetings in Phoenix, Ariz.
But now, Beckham is set to make his return in 2023 with the Ravens. Now, the NFL world will wait and see who will be throwing passes his way. Let’s not forget that the Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson have reached an impasse on a new contract, and that he had requested a trade off the team on March 2.
Maybe, just maybe, signing Beckham will entice Jackson to stay in Baltimore for the 2023 season, where he is set to make $32.4 million on the non-exclusive franchise tag.