NFL insider provides latest on Odell Beckham Jr. injury, relationship with Rams
Following his departure from the Cleveland Browns in the middle of this past season, the Los Angeles Rams swooped in to sign Odell Beckham Jr. once he became a free agent. Signing Beckham proved to be a smart move for the Rams, as the team went on to win the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the pending free agent wideout tore his ACL in the Super Bowl, although it isn’t expected to impact his future with Los Angeles.
According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Beckham isn’t expected to go anywhere.
Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is expected to ultimately re-sign with the Rams, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly, Wilson said.
Beckham opened the season with the Browns, catching 17 passes for 232 yards in six games. Following his release, Beckham played seven regular season games and four playoff games with the Rams. In the regular season with Los Angeles, Beckham caught 27 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns. In the playoffs, he caught 21 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns, including a huge touchdown grab in the Super Bowl.
After playing so well after a disappointing couple of seasons, Beckham found a nice fit for his skillset with Matthew Stafford throwing him the ball in the Rams offense. Wilson’s source said that Beckham loves it in Los Angeles.
“Look for OBJ to be back with the Rams at some point,” Wilson’s source said. “It’s a strong fit, and they know what he can do, and he loves it there. He’s not leaving.”
The Rams have been optimistic about bringing back Beckham for a while
While his ACL tear could impact the overall terms and specifics of his new deal, the Rams have always been optimistic about bringing back Beckham. Prior to the Super Bowl, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said that the team is “very optimistic” about bringing their new wideout back.
“The (Rams) are very optimistic they will re-sign OBJ,” Mortensen said. “Team brass and Sean McVay say he’s been a ideal fit. He’s impactful. Explosive. TD maker. He can max out his $3 million in incentives with a W today but the Rams are certain it won’t be his last paycheck with them.”
Beckham indeed received his incentives when the Rams won the Super Bowl.
Assuming a deal gets done, Beckham would be part of a dangerous group of wideouts in the Los Angeles offense next season once he is able to return to the field. Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods (who will return from his own torn ACL), and Van Jefferson all return next season.