Recent reports claim that Odell Beckham Jr.’s time with the Baltimore Ravens is over. But if John Harbaugh’s comments are to be assessed, it seems nothing is set in stone yet.
Beckham is entering free agency after signing a one-year, $15 million deal with the Ravens in the past offseason. While OBJ is determined to continue his NFL career, there have been plenty of doubts that it will be in Baltimore after a rather disappointing campaign for him.
Baltimore Ravens Looking To Replace Odell Beckham Jr.
Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh, Odell Beckham Jr.
Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Beckham’s future with the Ravens was further put into spotlight after it was reported that Baltimore is targeting New Orleans Saints wide receiver free agent Michael Thomas.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN highlighted that Beckham is unlikely to return as the Ravens shift their focus on other wide receivers like Thomas.
“Michael Thomas’ contract with the Saints is set to void, making him a free agent. A few scouts pointed out Baltimore as a good fit. The Ravens likely won’t re-sign Odell Beckham Jr., and they value established veterans at the receiver position. But a reunion with former New Orleans coach Sean Payton in Denver also makes sense,” Fowler noted.
Sure enough, after a season that saw Beckham record just 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns, the Ravens have reason to not continue their partnership.
Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh, Odell Beckham Jr.
Nov 16, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) runs after a catch during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Not to mention that the Ravens need to improve on several key areas in order to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs and make it back to the Super Bowl. Baltimore needs to agree to an extension with Beckham by March 14 or else he becomes a free agent, but the big question is if they will still have a spot for him by that point.
Baltimore Ravens Coach John Harbaugh Crossing Fingers on Odell Beckham Jr.
Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh, Odell Beckham Jr.
Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh discusses a call with referee Clete Blakeman (34) during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Interestingly enough, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and GM Eric DeCosta have remained non-committal to Odell Beckham Jr. However, they also didn’t close the door on his potential return.
“I know that’s probably a question that people are asking. I’ve got my fingers crossed. We’ll see. That’s kind of out there. Those are those things that kind of answer themselves in time,” Harbaugh said.
By saying he has his fingers crossed, is Harbaugh implying that he’s hoping they find a way to re-sign Beckham? Maybe, or maybe not.
But the one thing that is clear is that the Ravens are prioritizing other targets. DeCosta was full of praise for Beckham and his impact on the locker room, but he could only say “we’ll see” when asked about the veteran wideout’s future with the team.
“I love Odell. He’s become a great friend of mine and a friend to the Ravens, and I think we’ll just kind of assess and see what happens over the next couple of weeks,” DeCosta shared.
It remains to be seen what will happen to Beckham and the Ravens, but fans probably shouldn’t have their hopes up on a reunion.
Baltimore Ravens, Odell Beckham Jr., NFL Free Agency
Dec 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports