The OBJ sweepstakes have come to a close. After speculation that the free agent wide receiver would take his time before signing with a new team, Adam Schefter broke the news earlier today that he would be taking his services to Los Angeles, signing a 1 year deal with the Rams.
The Rams, fresh off trading for Matt Stafford, and Von Miller, continue to add weapons to their potent offense in an effort to ensure that they’ll be the NFC’s representative in the Super Bowl slated to take place in their home stadium. The signing adds the ever mercurial Beckham Jr. to a wide receiver room that includes Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Van Jefferson.
Earlier this season the Rams parted ways with DeSean Jackson (who would ultimately sign with the Raiders), but when presented with the opportunity to add another serviceable veteran on the cheap, LA didn’t hesitate to ink OBJ. Prior to the announcement, Odell had been linked to the Chiefs, Saints, Packers, and Patriots, with the wide receiver saying he wanted to sign with a contender.
Beckham certainly gets his wish as the 7-2 Rams are now co-favourites at +600 to win the Super Bowl with Buffalo and Tampa Bay at many sports books. What remains to be seen however is how much of a role Beckham will have in the pass happy Rams offense. Stafford has been known to lock on to “favourite” receivers in the past, and is certainly focused on Kupp this year. Robert Woods has also had several games where he’s seen double digit targets as well, leaving many to wonder whether OBJ’s concerns about targets in Cleveland could pop up once more out west.
A three time Pro Bowler, Beckham was selected 12th overall in 2014 by the New York Giants. He would wind up winning Rookie of the Year honors that year and earn 2nd team All Pro nods in 2015 and 2016. While his numbers in New York made him a media and fantasy football darling, his production fell off a cliff when he was subsequently traded to Cleveland in 2019. Plagued by injuries, and being slowly phased out of Kevin Stefanski’s run first offense, Beckham’s family members began taking to social media to voice their displeasure with his usage. After failing to find a trade partner ahead of the deadline, the Browns elected to have Beckham stay home while they reworked his contract before ultimately releasing him.
Los Angeles takes on the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night this week. While the Rams have not ruled out the possibility that OBJ suits up, it would be a monumental task to learn a new offense and become a meaningful contributor on 4 days’ notice. Financial details surrounding the deal have yet to be announced.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
