Report: Jets' Interest in Odell Beckham Jr. 'Very Real'
News 3/23/23
The New York Jets have made multiple moves to rework their wide receiver room in anticipation of trading for Aaron Rodgers, and one more move could come soon. The Jets' interest in free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is "very real," SNY reported on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Beckham Jr. added to the speculation by following new Jets receiver Allen Lazard on Instagram. Beckham Jr. and Lazard have a strong relationship with Rodgers and were reportedly included on a list of players Rodgers wanted the Jets to sign.
During his March 15 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers denied the report calling it "stupid." Rodgers has spoken glowingly of Beckham Jr. in the past. In a 2021 appearance on McAfee's show, Rodgers described his relationship with Beckham Jr. as more than just acquaintances.
“We’ve been friends for a long time, kept in touch and met at some events and just, you know, sent encouraging messages," Rodgers said. "During the seasons, over the years.”
Although Rodgers intends to play for the Jets in 2023 and has a strong relationship with Beckham Jr., the quarterback is still on the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are asking for at least a first-round pick in exchange for Rodgers.
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Beckham Jr. didn't play last season due to the torn ACL he suffered in the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl win against the Cincinnati Bengals. The free-agent receiver worked out in front of NFL decision-makers on March 10 and looked healthy enough to draw interest from multiple teams.
Reports then surfaced that Beckham Jr. wanted a contract that would pay him roughly $20 million per year, a tough sell for a player who missed an entire season. However, he took to Twitter to refute those claims, saying he wanted more than $4 million.
I’m just so confused where the quote is from me tht said I want 20…..😭🙄all I’m sayin is 4 AINT enough
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) March 18, 2023
If Beckham Jr. signs with the Jets, he'll join Lazard, reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson and Mecole Hardman, who the Jets signed on Wednesday, in New York's receiver room. The Jets also traded Elijah Moore to the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday, perhaps to open a spot for Beckham Jr.