The New York Giants want two first-round picks for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Giants insisted Tuesday they are not actively shopping Beckham.
Earlier this week, two reports regarding Beckham surfaced. The NFL Network said Beckham would not play this season without a contract extension while the New York Daily News reported the Los Angeles Rams were persuading a trade for Beckham.
General manager Dave Gettleman refused to say whether or not Beckham was on the trading block at the annual NFL owners’ meeting in Orlando. He did, however, repeatedly utter the phrase “You don’t quit on talent”, a mantra he learned from former Giants manager Ernie Accorsi.
“Neither Odell nor his agent have contacted us regarding either report,” Gettleman said. “So, to be clear: I’m not going to respond to questions about either report, and as I stated earlier, every decision I make is going to be in the best interest of the New York football Giants.”
Co-owner John Mara said Sunday that no one on the team is untouchable, fueling speculation that the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver’s days as a Giant were numbered. Mara refused to say whether or not Beckham would be on the 2018 roster Sunday.
On Tuesday, Mara did specifically address Beckham.
“He’s not on the block.” Mara said. “Is that going to stop clubs from possibly calling us? No. But he’s not on the block. We’re not shopping him around.”
Mara also reiterated a previous statement that he wants Beckham to remain a Giant for life but wouldn’t say it’s a done deal.
“I don’t want him to be traded,” Mara said. “I want him to be a Giant. I can’t say it’s a 100 percent guarantee it will happen. Can’t say that about any player.”
Beckham is one of the NFL’s most electrifying talents but he has also been a source of discontent for the Giants’ front office. He has some questionable on-the-field and off-the-field issues. Most recently, a viral video of Beckham in bed holding a brown cigarette with a woman holding a credit card in front of a white, powdery substance made the rounds on social media.
At the same time, Beckham’s performance cannot be denied. He is also well-liked within the organization. Beckham has been a great teammate and one of the hardest working guys on the team, a fact acknowledged by Gettleman.
“The kid works his fanny off,” Gettleman said. “His [ankle] rehab is going terrific. He sends us pictures, sends us a video about him running. He’s an excellent worker.”
– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL and the New York Giants. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.
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