Odell Beckham Jr. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Odell Beckham, Lamar Jackson had 'multiple conversations' ahead of Ravens signing

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 4/9/23

On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens sent a shockwave through the NFL, agreeing to a one-year deal with star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

While the popular belief was that the Ravens brought in Beckham to please quarterback Lamar Jackson, the duo has reportedly been discussing the idea of joining forces for some time, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz of The Score.

According to Schultz, the Ravens quarterback and Beckham had "multiple conversations" while the former Los Angeles Rams wideout weighed his options in free agency.

Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham Jr. have had multiple conversations during OBJ’s free agency about teaming up together and winning a Super Bowl with the #Ravens, according to sources familiar with the situation.

There’s still business to handle with Lamar — but this is a…
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 10, 2023

Shortly after the Ravens announced Beckham's signing, the team's Twitter account posted a screenshot that only furthered speculation surrounding Jackson's role in the move.

The tweet featured a shot of Beckham and Jackson face-timing, fit with grins, in a sign that the two may be excited about the prospect of playing together.

pic.twitter.com/CsR6ihbb9O
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 10, 2023

Jackson has sorely needed an experienced star on the outside, and if healthy, Beckham fits the bill. Beckham hasn't played an NFL game since tearing his ACL in Super Bowl LVI. However, the veteran receiver looked 100 percent during a workout in March, nearly a year after surgery.

What is less certain is whether acquiring Beckham will impact the stalemate between the Ravens and Jackson regarding a contract extension.

Jackson reportedly desires a lucrative guaranteed deal, which the Ravens and seemingly every other team in the NFL have balked at. With one season remaining before Jackson can potentially test free agency, the Ravens must act quickly.

Signing Beckham isn't likely to solve all the issues between Jackson and the Ravens, but it could be an excellent first step in the right direction.

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