When Odell Beckham Jr. was announced as the latest addition to the Baltimore Ravens, there were many queries raised about the future of Lamar Jackson. The quarterback had been negotiating for a new contract as his own agent, and the news of OBJ joining the team caught many off guard, especially considering Jackson’s involvement in the deal. As per Michael Rapoport, OBJ’s decision to sign with the Ravens was based on the condition that Lamar Jackson would be his quarterback.
This deal comes at a time when Lamar Jackson and Baltimore Ravens haven’t reached an agreement. On March 27, Lamar went on Twitter to announce he had requested a trade from the team on March 5. Jackson hasn’t been receiving much interest from other NFL teams either. By signing the Odell Beckham Jr. deal, are the Ravens confident that Jackson would play for them this season?
The Baltimore Ravens have secured an Odell Beckham Jr. deal for a one-year contract.
Odell Beckham Jr., a free-agent wide receiver, has signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens worth up to $18 million, with $15 million guaranteed. The announcement came after the three-time Pro Bowler missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in Super Bowl LVI while playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Beckham Jr., who was selected with the No. 12 overall pick by the New York Giants in the 2014 NFL Draft, took to Instagram to share photos of his son wearing a Ravens jersey and hat.
Beckham Jr.’s career has been injury-plagued, and he was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2019, where he had a stint of two-plus seasons. After having his contract with the Browns voided in November 2021, he signed a one-year deal with the Rams. During the Rams’ postseason run, Beckham Jr. caught 21 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns for the Super Bowl champions. In his career, he has played in 96 games, tallying 531 receptions, 7,367 yards, and 56 touchdowns.
The addition of Beckham Jr. to the Ravens’ lineup is expected to give a boost to their offense, which has struggled at times this season. Beckham Jr.’s signing comes after the Ravens lost their top receiver, Marquise Brown, to a season-ending injury. The Ravens are currently in the playoff hunt, and Beckham Jr. will look to make an impact as they make their push toward the postseason.
In the hours following the announcement, Jackson and OBJ appeared in video call screenshots, clearly indicating a good relationship between them. However, their actions last weekend went even further, raising more questions.
Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr. hit Miami Clubs
Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr. spotted in the club popping bottles after becoming teammates 🏈🍾
pic.twitter.com/AKjtp5sY2e— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) April 10, 2023
A video circulating online shows Odell Beckham Jr. and Lamar Jackson had a good time at a Miami nightclub. The two players seem excited to be teammates on the Baltimore Ravens, although it’s unclear whether the team will meet Jackson’s salary demands. Beckham reportedly agreed to play for the Ravens only if Jackson remains as the quarterback.
NFL experts are divided over whether the Baltimore Ravens’ recent one-year deal with OBJ will have any impact on Jackson’s long-term future with the team. While some believe that Beckham’s signing will boost the chance of Jackson playing on the franchise tag in 2023, it doesn’t lend any more optimism to his future with the Ravens. The team reportedly paid Beckham above market value for exactly one season, filling a void they needed to address whether Jackson, Tyler Huntley, or another quarterback was playing. With only five draft picks and a glaring need for receivers, the signing was necessary, even if the execution and price raised eyebrows.
Experts wonder if the Ravens’ signing of Beckham at receiver will influence their draft choice. The team may trade up for an athletic quarterback, like Anthony Richardson if one starts to slip in the draft. However, a trade for Jackson is unlikely at this point, given the quiet market over the past month. If the Ravens and Jackson cannot reach a long-term contract by July 17, he must either play for the team on the $32 million non-exclusive tag or sit out.
