New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said he will attend training camp despite not having a new contract.
Beckham was asked at the conclusion of the team’s mandatory three-day minicamp if the media will see him when veterans report to training camp on July 25.
“Yes, you will,” Beckham said.
Beckham was also asked about whether or not he’ll show up for training camp during his youth instructional camp. Again, he said he will be there.
“No holdout,” Beckham said.
Head coach Pat Shurmur said there “was no reason to believe” that Beckham wouldn’t be a full participant in training camp. Beckham missed the final twelve regular season games of 2017 after breaking his left ankle. He didn’t participate in any team or live drills during minicamp despite being medically cleared.
Beckham did run, cut, and catch passes from Eli Manning at full speed. There were no signs of any problems with his ankle, which he previously injured in the second preseason game. Beckham and Manning also did some extra work on the side while the rest of the team participated in live drills. It was an encouraging sign to Shurmur.
“Yeah, well obviously, anytime you catch from a quarterback, you learn something about one another. So, they’ve spent time together,” Shurmur said. “I’ve noticed their relationship is real strong and that’s typical of what players do. They work together.
“Odell’s been able to do a lot here full speed and, as I mentioned, he’s been cleared to practice. Guys that end the year with injuries come back at different rates and get involved with more and more of the drill work. So, for him to spend that extra time with Eli, I think is great.”
Beckham attended most of the team’s voluntary workouts and organized team activities (OTAs) after not doing so last year. This was considered to be a good faith gesture since the Giants have a new head coach in Shurmur and a new general manager in Dave Gettleman.
The elephant in the room, of course, is Beckham’s contract situation. He will play 2018 under the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, making $8.5 million. Beckham’s desire for a new contract is well documented. His talent is unparalleled. However, he has angered or embarrassed ownership with some issues both on and off the field.
There was a controversial video that made rounds on social media in March. After the video was released, co-owner John Mara said he was “tired” of talking about Beckham’s behavior. Mara also didn’t like it when Beckham celebrated scoring a touchdown by crawling on all fours and lifting his leg, simulating a dog urinating.
Although Beckham has said all the right things, there is still the possibility that he holds out and doesn’t report to training camp.
Early in the offseason, there was a rumor that Beckham wouldn’t step on the field without a new contract. Beckham himself tweeted that he didn’t plan to play in any preseason games. Last offseason, Beckham said he wanted to be the highest paid player in the NFL. This year, his asking price is rumored to be in the neighborhood of $20 million per year.
Despite Beckham’s desire for a new deal, the Giants appear to be in no hurry to get a deal done.
“I wouldn’t say sense of urgency. The contract will get done when it is supposed to get done,” Mara said in May. “I think that is the Dave Gettleman line. I’m think I’m going to adopt that. All spring, all summer, as long as it takes.”
Naturally, the Giants can afford to sit back and relax on this. They hold all the cards.
After all, the team could just franchise tag him if they can’t get a deal done. If they tag him, Beckham would make about $15 million in 2019. The Giants could also franchise tag him in 2020, causing his salary to increase to around $18 million. If this scenario were to play out, Beckham would make more than $41.5 million in three seasons.
That would be more favorable to the Giants. They would be able to have Beckham’s services for $13.85 million a year but Beckham wants more than that. He handled his business by showing up for the team’s offseason workouts and showed there is no lingering effects of his injury. Now the ball is in the Giants’ court.
Beckham had at least 90 receptions, 1,300 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns in each of his first three NFL seasons.
– 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.
