The Giants haven’t started contract negotiations with Odell Beckham Jr., owner John Mara told reporters on Thursday (Twitter link via Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com). Mara went on to say that talks will begin “sooner rather than later” and will start “pretty soon.” 
[RELATED: OBJ Denies Allegations, Says He’s Victim Of Extortion]
The Giants have been somewhat reluctant to enter serious talks with Beckham, in part because of their concerns about his maturity. Gradually, however, that perception is changing. Mara believes Beckham is moving in the right direction and his attendance for OTAs, minicamp, and the start of training camp is meaningful for the team.
When talks get underway, Beckham’s side will push for a deal that far exceeds Brandin Cooks‘ new five-year, $80MM+ extension with the Rams. Locking up OBJ, who had three straight seasons with at least 1,300 yards and ten touchdowns, will cost the club at least $90MM with substantial guarantees.
Alternatively, the Giants could control OBJ through the 2020 season via consecutive franchise tags. Doing that would keep the proverbial carrot on the stick for Beckham and minimize the club’s long-term risk, but they would also be exposing themselves to offseason drama and holdout threats.
Love the photo and can’t help wondering if we are looking at the Giants next alternate jersey. The front office needs to end all their transparent posturing and get down to serious business.
Wonder why anybody questions his maturity? Than man is a SNAPPY dresser!
It’s a shame Walmart doesn’t carry his clothing line….then I could be a cool cat too.
Is that Sammy Hagar? Right now, hey! There’s no tomorrow…
How on earth can the team not even have initiated preliminary talks? Okay, there are maturity concerns, but picking up the phone and seeing where his camp is at, isn’t a signed contract.
At least feel out what the interest is.
I agree with you Cam. It’s amusing that the front office brings up the maturity issue because their own phoney posturing comes off as being rather childish. The bottom line is that they need Beckham to have any chance of getting back into contention. They need to stop playing games and work out a deal.