OBJ The Raven
Odell Beckham Jr. signed a one-year contract with the Ravens on Thursday, making them the proud owners of a great wide receiver.
On Easter Sunday, the two sides reached a deal, and three days later, Beckham was on a plane to Baltimore.
Beckham was the best free agent wideout available this summer, and he’s the highest-profile receiver the Ravens have signed in free agency in years.
Reportedly valued up to $18 million, the agreement has a basic salary of $1.165 million in 2023 to help the Ravens stay below their salary ceiling. On Sunday night, the New York Jets were said to be hosting Beckham for a free-agent visit.
He joins a talented group of receivers in Baltimore, including Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Devin Duvernay, and Mark Andrews, the team’s top tight end.
Beckham, at 30 years old, has made the Pro Bowl three consecutive years (2014-2016) and led the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns in each of his first three seasons in the league.
After missing all of last year with a knee injury sustained in Super Bowl LVI, which he helped win with the Los Angeles Rams, he is ready to go back on the field for his ninth season. In the four playoff games, he caught 21 passes for 288 yards (12.6 average) and two touchdowns.
Beckham’s health has been questioned over the last year, but he recently did a private workout for teams, which was attended by a dozen teams, including the Ravens. For over a year, Head Coach John Harbaugh has admitted to having spoken with Beckham about potentially joining the Baltimore Ravens.
Many athletes, including Ravens star Lamar Jackson and others, praised the decision. Jackson showed his approval of a photo of Beckham’s daughter Zydn wearing a Ravens shirt featuring Jackson by like it on Instagram. It also seemed that they clicked instantly over FaceTime.