The Giants don’t appear to have moved any closer to a contract extension for star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. A source tells Vacchiano New York has taken a patient approach to negotiations, as the club not only wanted to check in on Beckham’s health after he missed most of the 2017 season, but his commitment. Beckham reported to training camp on time, an indication that he’s both ready to play and talk about a new deal. Despite his injury issues in 2017, Beckham figures to reset the wide receiver market on his next contract, which could have an annual salary north of $17MM.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two East divisions:
- Speaking of Beckham, TMZ Sports recently reported the Giants wideout is being sued in civil court, but Beckham says he’s the victim of extortion, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. “Mr. Beckham denies the recently added allegations, and further denies any wrongdoing whatsoever related to the alleged incident,” Beckham’s attorney said. “As stated before, he will not be extorted and his position as to the pending suit has not changed.” The suit against Beckham contains allegations of drug use, violence, and other transgressions, but it’s hard to imagine anything serious will come of the case.
- Despite the NFL’s recent pullback on their national anthem policy, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said today that he will not allow any of his players to remain in the locker room during the anthem, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link). The league will no longer enforce its previously announced policy, which would have led to teams being fined if players “did not respect” the anthem. It’s unclear exactly what Jones can do to prevent his players from staying in the locker room, or performing a visual protest, but it’s an issue to keep an eye as the season gets underway.
- Patriots offensive tackle Marcus Cannon only appeared in seven games last season as he battled an ankle injury, but he’s “good to go” ahead of training camp, tweets Jeff Howe of The Athletic. While New England will face upheaval at the left tackle position, right tackle is spoken for by Cannon, who’s become one of the league’s best players on the right side. Cannon signed a five-year, $32.5MM extension with the Patriots in 2016, meaning he’s now under contract through the 2021 campaign.
- Former Wisconsin and Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema is now officially a member of the Patriots’ staff, reports Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link), who adds Bielema’s official title will be “consultant to the head coach.” While it’s unclear exactly why Bielema will be doing as he advises Bill Belichick, he sounded incredibly excited about his new role when speaking to the media earlier this year.
Anyone would and should be incredibly excited to work with Belichick. Five Super Bowl rings and only one year where they missed the playoffs. Many would do anything to work for a team like that.
It really depends on what the job assignment entails. If “consultant to the head coach” is just a euphemism for lackey who is willing to constantly stroke BB’s ego….then it’s a job most people would pass on.
Players win rings not coaches.
Keep believing that Mikel.
He’s right. Brady made Belichick.
Coaches lose rings although Seahawk fans probably don’t appreciate being reminded of that. If it was all about coaching the Belichick dynasty would have occurred in Cleveland and not New England.
Jerry, you sullied America’s Team and lost me last year when YOU knelt. Your hardline stance now looks contrived.
Jerry is becoming senile and frequently drops his medication….that explains the kneeling.
“While it’s unclear exactly why Bielema will be doing as he advises Bill Belichick”
Forget about any advising. Bill just wants someone who will keep his crown and scepter polished while reminding him what a genius he is.