The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this spring with the hope it would entice Lamar Jackson to sign a contract extension. With both stars under contract, expectations are high for the Ravens’ offense in 2023.
Beckham Jr. didn’t play last season after suffering an ACL tear in the Super Bowl. While he received significant interest from around the league, the veteran wideout was never cleared to play and waited until the offseason to workout for teams.
- Odell Beckham Jr career stats:Â 531 receptions, 7,367 receiving yards, 56 touchdowns
Related: Odell Beckham Jr. contract details
Now, with Ravens training camp about to begin, the spotlight is on Beckham Jr. heading into his first summer in Baltimore. In an interview with ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, the All-Pro wideout shared insight into his mindset heading into the season.
“I’m excited, but I’m also very determined and hungry. So through the smiles there’s still this, ‘I really want this badly.’ I’m ready to be great, ready to be excellent again. The doubts are for whoever has them to have them, but it’s not what enters my mind and my body. I know what I can do.”
Odell Beckham Jr. on returning to the field in 2023, playing for Baltimore Ravens
Beckham Jr. struggled the last time he was in the AFC North. In 29 games with the Cleveland Browns, the veteran receiver netted 1,586 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, averaging just 54.7 receiving yards per game.
However, after being released by Cleveland, he was a bright spot for the Los Angeles Rams. During the 2021 NFL playoffs, Beckham recorded 21 receptions for 288 receiving yards and two scores. Before suffering his ACL tear, he was on pace to win Super Bowl MVP.
New details on Baltimore Ravens’ pursuit of Odell Beckham Jr
While the Ravens signed Beckham Jr. on April 9, the club’s interest in the three-time Pro Bowl selection existed long before that. In addition to his strong relationship with Jackson, Beckham Jr. and the Ravens have long been in contact.
According to Hensley, Baltimore’s efforts to sign Beckham Jr. began in October 2022. Club officials spoke with his agent about a deal, but talks didn’t materialize and he wasn’t cleared to practice. When the offseason began, the Ravens talked to Beckham, but progress on a deal wasn’t made.
Baltimore was in attendance for Beckham Jr’s private workout in Arizona and the footage was later reviewed by more team officials.
“What we saw was extremely encouraging. That’s probably the thing that we’re most excited about. We’re getting somebody who’s ready to explode again.”
Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta on Odell Beckham Jr
Eric DeCosta, the Ravens general manager, then spoke with Beckham Jr. at the league meetings. Still not completely sold on visiting the team, owner Steve Bisciotti reportedly reached out and his persuasion secured a visit.
The meeting with the Ravens paired with Bisciotti’s approach made the difference, with Beckham Jr. later signing a contract. Now, he’ll head into training camp with an opportunity to be Baltimore’s No. 1 receiver this fall.
