Enjoying the rare expansive midseason free agency sweepstakes, Odell Beckham Jr. may still be days away from making a decision. And this process has involved multiple front-runners. A new one may be emerging.
The latest chatter around the NFL points to the Chiefs pulling ahead in the pursuit of the standout wide receiver, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes. This news comes not long after the Saints were perceived as the leaders here. The Chiefs present an interesting situation for Beckham, who has hoped to land with a contender.
Although Patrick Mahomes is in the worst slump of his career, the Chiefs bring a combination of contender status and a top-flight quarterback-HC duo in Mahomes and Andy Reid. The two-time reigning AFC champions have made offensive line improvements but have still seen their elite passing attack slowed. As teams move to minimize Mahomes’ deep strikes, the Chiefs are averaging 12 points per game over their past three.
The Chiefs would not present the kind of volume Beckham could receive with the Saints, who are desperate for a No. 1 receiver. But OBJ would stand to be a big upgrade on Mecole Hardman and be in line to play a different role compared to what was expected in New York and Cleveland. The 29-year-old target would slot in as Kansas City’s No. 3 option in the passing game, behind Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Fellow ex-Browns weapon Josh Gordon has not made an impact as a Chief. The 30-year-old wideout has one catch in five games with the team.
The earliest Beckham would resume his season would seemingly be Week 11. The Saints, Seahawks, Patriots and Packers are known to be in the mix, with multiple other unknown suitors apparently still active here as well.
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