Odell Beckham Jr. gets real on his call to sign with Ravens over Jets
At one point in the offseason, it seemed inevitable that Odell Beckham Jr. would end up reaching an agreement on a free agent deal with the New York Jets. The Jets were among the teams that were in attendance for Beckham’s workout in March, and they were scheduled to host him for a visit in […]
At one point in the offseason, it seemed inevitable that Odell Beckham Jr. would end up reaching an agreement on a free agent deal with the New York Jets. The Jets were among the teams that were in attendance for Beckham’s workout in March, and they were scheduled to host him for a visit in April.
The Baltimore Ravens ultimately won the Beckham sweepstakes, as they came to terms with the three-time Pro Bowler on a one-year deal worth up to $18 million a day before his planned meeting with the Jets. In the end, the Ravens reportedly “stepped up with money.”
Money was not the sole factor in Beckham’s final call to join the Ravens over the Jets.
"But they won me over quickly," Beckham told BaltimoreRavens.com’s Clifton Brown. "Other places, it kind of felt like 'We would love to have you.' Of course, they would. But it wasn't like, 'We see you as a guy who could make a difference here.' Coming back to New York (Jets) would've been cool.
“I know it would've been less money, but I can make money off the field … But it just didn't feel like, 'We absolutely want you here.' That's the feeling I got from this place. I was just happy I was able to listen to them and to God."
Beckham touched base with the likes of Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and team head coach John Harbaugh before he agreed to return to the AFC North. These conversations were all that the veteran wideout needed to feel convinced that Baltimore was the right team for him at this stage in his career.
"Everyone thinks it's the money I got from the Ravens,” Beckham said. “I could play for $1 million. It doesn't impact my mindset. If I drop a pass, I'm going to be pissed the same way I'd be if I made $40 million. But the Ravens showed they valued me.
“Go where you're celebrated, not where you're tolerated."
After missing the entirety of the 2022 season recovering from successful ACL surgery, Beckham is currently slated to make his Ravens debut in the team’s Week 1 home matchup against the Houston Texans.
Featured image credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Ravens’ Arthur Maulet reveals the truth behind his Steelers departure
The former Steeler tells all.
Featured image credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
