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The New York Giants opened contract extension talks with star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. earlier this week, Jordan Ranaan of ESPN reports.
Giants co-owner John Mara said last week that the two sides had not begun discussing a new deal but would do so “sooner rather than later.” He has proven to be true to his word.
Beckham is in the final year of his deal and is set to play for $8.5 million on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. There was talk earlier this offseason that Beckham would potentially hold out if he didn’t get his deal. But he did come to voluntary OTAs in the spring and also reported on time for training camp. That willingness to show up may have played a part in the Giants finally opening talks.
Beckham is likely looking to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the league with his next deal. Prior to last season’s ankle injury, it looked like a certainty that he would get that type of deal given his elite level of performance over his first three full seasons in the league. He's averaged 96 catches for 1,374 receiving yards and nearly 12 touchdowns in those three years.
However, it’s believed that the Giants want to wait on handing Beckham his massive extension until they see him back in action following ankle surgery. That makes it unlikely they get a deal done before the start of the season, but the fact that they’ve opened talks at least opens up that possibility.
