The Green Bay Packers bid adieu to three of the wide receivers from the 2021 season. Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for a first and second round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. The first round pick was used to draft inside linebacker Quay Walker. The second round pick, along with the Packers’ own second rounder, was sent to the Minnesota Vikings for the 34th overall pick. This pick was used to draft wide receiver Christian Watson. In addition to Adams, the Packers lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chiefs) and Equanimeous St. Brown (Bears) to free agency. With so many unproven wide receivers on their roster, the Packers have long been tied to various free agent wide receivers. In a recent publication, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports named Green Bay as the ideal landing spot for three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Why Would Odell Beckham Jr. Fit Well with the Packers?
In his article, Sullivan wrote:
“Green Bay made a push to sign Beckham after he was released by the Browns last season, but the wideout ultimately decided to ink a deal with the Rams. Beckham has since helped L.A. win Super Bowl LVI, while the Packers’ need at wide receiver has only increased following the blockbuster trade that sent Davante Adams to Las Vegas. Beckham tearing his ACL in the midst of the Super Bowl has derailed his free agency some, but the Packers could be a team that is fine with only getting Beckham for the second half of the year considering their lack of depth at receiver. Currently, Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and rookie Christian Watson make up the top half of the depth chart.”
As Sullivan points out, Beckham will not be ready until midseason at the very earliest. Due to this fact, he may remain a free agent until after the season begins. Indeed, we could very well see a situation similar to the one last season after Beckham’s release.
Who Will Vie for Odell Beckham’s Services?
Last season, Beckham secured his release from the Cleveland Browns and became a free agent. At the time, the two teams tied closest to him were the Packers and the Los Angeles Rams. Of course, Beckham chose to sign with the Rams as the Packers could not pay him more than the veteran minimum.
Due to his ACL recovery, OBJ likely will not be ready to play until mid-season at the earliest. By that time, there could be multiple teams, including the Packers, in need of his services. If Green Bay desires to lock him in before anyone else can, they certainly can. The team has $17 million of cap space to work with, after all.
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