The New York Giants were far from any Super Bowl competition in 2018, but Odell Beckham Jr. was almost traded onto the best team in football – the New England Patriots.
When general manager Jerry Reese was relieved of his duties in favor of Dave Gettleman, rumors began to arise that Beckham was on the trading block. While it was hard to believe that Big Blue was would part ways with the generational talent, the rumors gained steam and apparently were attracting multiple suitors.
According to NBC Sports’ Chris Simms, the Patriots “aggressively†attempted to acquire Beckham prior to the trade deadline last summer.
The Giants weren’t going to give away the wide-out, though, as they were asking for at least two first-round draft pick in a potential deal – a hefty price for any player. But, everybody has a price and we shouldn’t be upset that Gettleman was requesting ridiculous offers in exchange for the talent.
Nonetheless, the Patriots were on the hook and after the bait. The Giants seemed to figure that the picks they would receive would be later in the draft, as New England has historically been a top 5 team every season since Tom Brady took over. The value was too risky, and it would have made them even more of a powerhouse.
Why the New York Giants will keep Beckham Jr.:
It’s very unlikely the Giants will try to rid themselves of Odell…why? Because he recently signed a five-year, $95 million deal last summer. As Gettleman stated, “why would we sign him just to trade him?”
Great question, Dave, it wouldn’t make any sense, which is why we should even think twice about the rumors. Theoretically speaking, the Giants owe him $16 million in dead money this season but would clear out $16.75 million in cap space if he were traded.
At the end of the day, his value on the field is too great to offer him to a contending team – especially when considering the draft picks the Giants would receive in a potential deal.