The Giants remain hopeful that they will hammer out a new contract with Odell Beckham Jr., but co-owner John Mara says he won’t rush things.
“I wouldn’t say a sense of urgency,” Mara said (via Brian Costello of the New York Post). “The contract will get done when it’s supposed to get done. I think that’s the Dave Gettleman line. I’m gonna adopt that I think, all spring, all summer, as long as it takes.”
Beckham has one more year to go on his rookie deal at a value of $8.5MM. After that, the Giants can realistically control Beckham via the franchise tag through 2020. Still, OBJ has been vocal about his desire for a new deal and it’s not a given that he’ll play ball if he’s franchised next year.
In his first three seasons, Beckham had more than 90 catches, 1,300 yards, and ten touchdowns. Last year, a broken ankle shut him down in October.
Here’s more from the NFC East:
- The Eagles could use a boost in run defense after the departure of Beau Allen and Courtney Upshaw could help in that area, as Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com writes. In 2015, Upshaw ranked eighth in run defense grade amongst 3-4 outside linebackers, per Pro Football Focus. Upshaw, who didn’t see a lot of playing time for the Falcons last year, auditioned for the Eagles this week. With the ability to play multiple positions in the front seven, he could be an intriguing add for Philly. Meanwhile, the Eagles also have some interest in defensive tackle Terrell McClain and it’s not clear whether both players could be a fit.
- Jon Machota of the Dallas News believes the Cowboys will add a veteran safety between now and the start of the regular season. The Cowboys have been connected to Seahawks star Earl Thomas this offseason, but so far, nothing has happened on that front. Meanwhile, as a part of his admittedly early roster projection, he classifies Tavon Austin as a running back. Austin could still factor into the passing game, but Machota believes he’ll run the ball as much as he catches it.
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