The Rams emerged at the 11th hour for Odell Beckham Jr. They are expected to sign him, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets, adding that the sides are finalizing an agreement.
The star-chasing franchise was not among the initial squads linked to the free agent wide receiver, but The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue indicated earlier Thursday afternoon momentum was developing (Twitter link). Beckham was down the Rams and Packers, according to NFL.com’s Kim Jones and Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).
It appears Los Angeles will win out, with USA Today’s Mike Jones indicating the Rams and Beckham have a deal in place (Twitter link). The Rams also shared an image on their team site in anticipation of Beckham’s impending arrival (via Rodrigue, on Twitter). This has since been removed, adding yet another complication to what has been a muddled week and change for the mercurial wideout. While the process may not be across the goal line, that is the expected destination for Beckham and L.A.
OBJ committing to the Rams will add a three-time Pro Bowler to an already-strong receiving corps — one that has played a big role in the team starting 7-2. Beckham sought a contender and a high-end quarterback. The Rams supply both with Matthew Stafford providing a big upgrade for the franchise.
The Chiefs, Patriots, Saints, Seahawks and Packers represented the top quintet linked to Beckham. The Rams, which already roster the potent Cooper Kupp–Robert Woods pairing in addition to emerging second-year talent Van Jefferson, have been known to pursue big-ticket performers for years. The franchise just sent two Day 2 picks for Von Miller. Beckham would become a high-end complementary piece in Los Angeles’ offense.
Beckham, 29, moved his way out of Cleveland last week, doing so after catching one pass in the Browns’ Week 8 loss to the Steelers. His value dipped considerably with the Browns, and time is running short for the former superstar to show he can still be an impact player. Beckham has more than two receptions in just two of the six games he has played this season, though the eighth-year veteran began this season coming off ACL surgery and has run into shoulder trouble. The Rams, which acquired Miller after an ankle injury, are willing to bet on Beckham still providing difference-making capabilities.
The Packers presented a clearer need for a No. 2 wide receiver. Davante Adams has been the team’s unquestioned WR1 for years. This season, the All-Pro wideout has a 500-plus-yard lead on Green Bay’s second-leading pass catcher. The Seahawks, Saints and Chiefs also took turns as the supposed favorites in this rare midseason sweepstakes, but the Rams — as they did for Stafford, Miller and Jalen Ramsey in recent years — will win out.
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