How Rams were able to lock up Odell Beckham at the last minute
The Rams shocked the NFL world on Thursday when they signed Odell Beckham Jr. – a surprise late entry into the sweepstakes after several other teams were rumored to be first in line for his services.
Beckham picked Los Angeles after rumors circulated all week that he was deciding between the Saints, Packers and Chiefs. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that the chance to play with Matthew Stafford, as well as a duo of great receivers, sealed the deal – even if they were behind the 8-ball.
“We came in a bit late — but we gave him best shot,” a source told Russini. “Sold great QB. 65% pass. Single coverage.”
With Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods already entrenched in the offense, Beckham was attracted to the idea that he will often face single-coverage when lined up in three-receiver sets. Kupp is currently leading the NFL in both catches and receiving yards, and will still demand plenty of attention from defensive backs.
Before the deal was announced, Beckham was reportedly deciding between the Rams and the Green Bay Packers – who also have a great quarterback (Aaron Rodgers) and wide receiver (Davante Adams). However, the Packers have a thin receiver corps outside of Adams, and the opportunity to play in LA’s explosive offense sealed the deal for Beckham.
Per SI’s Albert Breer, Beckham had always been keen on playing for the Rams. LA told the receiver that they “didn’t have that much money to spend right now,” but Beckham’s camp were told to “stay on top of this, stay involved, because Odell really likes the idea of going there.”
The former Browns receiver was also likely enticed by the idea of playing with his close friend Von Miller, whom the Rams dealt for before the trade deadline. Breer said that several Rams players “quietly” conducted a recruiting effort behind the scenes – without the knowledge of the front office.
Beckham was released from the Browns amid an avalanche of drama, which involved him being excused from practice several days and his father posting a video on Instagram of him apparently being open and Browns QB Baker Mayfield not throwing him the ball.