The New York Giants picked up the fifth-year contract option on Odell Beckham Jr’s rookie contract earlier this offseason. There was some question as to whether the Giants would make that decision, primarily due to the immaturity he’s displayed both on and off the field.
While the Giants still seem to be extremely high on the talented young receiver, extending him isn’t the top priority at this point.
“There’s always a chance, but it’s (extending OBJ) not our No. 1 priority right now,” Mara said, via Newsday. “But we do want to get it done. We have some time to get it done. But I can’t give you a timetable on that.”
Beckham Jr. skipped voluntary off-season workouts during the spring in an attempt to leverage the Giants into signing him to an extension.
The issue here is that OBJ has two years remaining on his contract. Most teams don’t extend their young players until they are entering the final year of their rookie deals.
Despite putting up 4,122 yards and 35 touchdowns in his first three seasons, there remains questions about Beckham Jr’s ability to mature. Remember, he was seen partying in Miami in the lead up to a playoff game this past January.
If the Giants are to commit to Beckham Jr. over the long term, they have to know he’s going to mature and put football first. As of now, that’s not proven to be the case.