The Pittsburgh Steelers have a history of drafting and developing young receivers. While boasting a receiving room full of talented players like Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, the Steelers find themselves in a much better situation than their AFC North competition.
The Baltimore Ravens have found themselves in a tough position this offseason. Between quarterback Lamar Jackson wanting out and a receiving corp spread thin, the Ravens have some work ahead of them to become a contender again. Monday, it was reported that the Ravens seek to boast their receiving room by making an offer to Odell Beckham Jr.
Abigail Dean/ Pittsburgh Steelers
Beckham Jr. was drafted by the New York Giants 12th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft and quickly became one of the most successful receivers in the league. Before suffering a season-ending injury during the 2017 season, Beckham Jr exceeded 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons. He played for the Giants for five seasons before getting picked up by AFC North Rival the Cleveland Browns in 2019.
After a brief honeymoon stage with the Browns, Beckham Jr ultimately wanted out in 2021 due to frustration with quarterback Baker Mayfield. The last landing spot in Beckham's rollercoaster career was with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, where the receiver signed a team-friendly deal, put his name back on the map, and won a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, with a Super Bowl ring came a torn ACL.
Associated Press
Beckham Jr. Looks For His Next Home
After spending the 2022 season recovering and training, Beckham Jr is ready to find his next team. In early March, the veteran receiver hosted a workout in Arizona and over a dozen teams showed interest. According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, the Giants, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Ravens, Rams, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings and Browns were all in attendance. Although it was rumored throughout the 2022 season that either the Giants or Dallas Cowboys would bring Beckham in, there's a new frontrunner in the competition.
Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Ravens have made an official offer.
“The Baltimore Ravens have met with Odell Beckham Jr, they’ve presented him their own offer. It certainly sounds like it’s the Jets, it’s the Ravens, maybe the Rams still would have interest but those, at this point in time, would be the obvious landing spots.”
Beckham spoke to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson on his interactions with the Ravens thus far.
Obj on meeting with #Ravens & connecting with other teams: “The love was there, good meeting…(Lot of) people and teams I bumped into.”
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 28, 2023
Eventually the free agent WR will become a big addition to a new team.
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
Beckham Jr is expected to be requesting a one-year, $15 million deal. Another important factor for Beckham is the quarterback. The receiver has played with Eli Manning, Mayfield and Matthew Stafford throughout his career. Especially throughout his tenure in Cleveland, he made it clear that finding a team with an established quarterback is a priority. With Lamar Jackson announcing his desire to leave Baltimore, the Ravens are left with uncertainty at quarterback. The Ravens will likely utilize backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, but will that be enough to attract Beckham?
It's possible that Beckham could wait to see if the New York Jets bring in Aaron Rodgers before making his decision. Although Huntley earned a spot in the Pro Bowl as an alternate, it's tough to compete with four-time MVP Rodgers. Will Beckham make his way back to the AFC North? Only time will tell.
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