Giants Notes: Beckham, Apple, D-Line

Now that Odell Beckham Jr. has reported to the team, it’s time for the Giants to pay the star wide receiver, Steve Serby of the New York Post opines. Ultimately, he thinks that they’ll get a deal done, even though they do not want to give the impression that they are fearful of a potential Beckham holdout.

For now, Beckham is under contract for one more season at a rate of $8.5MM. A new deal would cost the Giants significantly more and could eclipse Antonio Brown‘s position-leading $17MM/year average. If Beckham shows that he’s on the same page with the Giants’ new regime, it’s hard to see a scenario where they do not get a deal done, even if it costs nearly $100MM in total.

Here’s more on the G-Men:

• The Giants upgraded several position groups this offseason, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and offensive line. However, they have yet to improve at tight end, defensive line, cornerback, and safety, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post writes. The absence of Jason Pierre-Paul on the defensive line is particularly glaring after the Giants shipped him to the Bucs without an obvious replacement, though Damon Harrison will return to anchor the three-man front.
• Last year was rocky, to say the least, for former first-round pick Eli Apple. However, the cornerback says that he has been assured by GM Dave Gettleman & Co. that he has a “clean slate” with the team (via John Healy of the New York Daily News). Apple has two years to go on his rookie contract with cap numbers of $4.132MM and $4.821MM. If Apple plays up to par in 2018, the Giants may consider exercising his fifth-year option, which would keep him under team control through the 2020 season.