Matthew Stafford currently has the distinction of being the highest-paid player in the NFL, and it’s likely that another quarterback will take that title from him in the coming years.
But, if you ask Von Miller, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. should be the highest-paid player in the NFL, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports.
“He should be the highest-paid player ever, regardless of position. That’s just the type of player he is. … The type of impact that he has on the globe, the type of viewers that he brings — just him as a player. That makes up for him not playing quarterback. So, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime player. Definitely deserving.”
After signing the richest NFL shoe deal with Nike this summer, Beckham said he also wants to be the NFL’s highest-paid player. However, he suffered a season-ending ankle injury against the Los Angeles Chargers, which could significantly affect his bargaining power at the negotiating table.
But, Miller believes Beckham can come back and continue playing at a high level upon his return from the injury. He thinks Beckham is the player worth investing in and keeping for his entire career.
Beckham had his $8.5 million fifth-year option for next season exercised and became eligible for an extension this year, although no negotiations took place. He will likely be one of, if not the. highest-paid wide receivers in the league on his next contract if he does manage to regain his old form upon returning from injury.
Even if he does return better than ever, though, it will still be a big challenge for him to land the richest contract in a league which places a lot more importance on quarterbacks than wide receivers.