Is Odell Beckham Jr. Holding Out For A New Contract?

As the NFL offseason continues, the media has become fixated on organized team activities, otherwise known as OTAs. Although attendance is optional/voluntary, it seems many have grown concerned with some individuals’ participation or lack thereof.  

So far, the New York Giants have been without their star receiver Odell Beckham Jr during OTAs.  There were initially rumors that he skipped OTAs to hang out with Iggy Azalea. It turns out that wasn’t true, and he was actually working out on his own. Though the real reason has yet to be confirmed, many believe now believe Beckham’s absence has something to do with a new contract. On Tuesday, Beckham retweeted a link from Fansided which showed a video of ESPN’s Adam Schefter discussing Beckham’s alleged holdout and it sparked rumors.

“If I were advising Odell Beckham Jr., I would not show up at an OTA, I would not show up at a mandatory minicamp, I would not show up at a training camp, I would not show up at anything until that contract –which finally can be adjusted for the first time –were made to reflect his value to this team, this organization and the type of player he is in this league,” Schefter said.

If you recall, OBJ was picked 12^th overall by the Giants in the 2014 NFL Draft, to which he signed a four-year rookie contract that paid him a little over $10.4 million with the option of a fifth-year extension for $8.5 million.  Although the Giants have already picked up Beckham’s fifth-year option for the 2018 season, it’s safe to say he is worth way more than that, especially, after becoming one of the best receivers in the league, putting up at least 1,300 yards and ten touchdowns so far in his career. So, his holdout may be justified, but it seems like it may not make a difference, as the team’s co-owner and president have revealed that negotiations have not begun between the two parties.

Although, John Mara said the team “obviously” wants Beckham “to be a Giant for the rest of his career,” sources believe a new contract extension will be hard to come by before the start of the season.