NFL insider Ian Rapoport updates Odell Beckham Jr. free agency situation

Odell Beckham Jr. was a key part of the Los Angeles Rams’ championship season in 2021. However, after a pair of catches for 52 yards and a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI, Beckham saw his night come to an emotional end after an ACL tear.

Originally on a 1-year contract with the Rams, Beckham remains a free agent as he continues to rehab and eye a return to the field in 2022. Per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the former LSU star has heard from several “contending teams”, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before bringing on Julio Jones. The Green Bay Packers, according to Rapoport, could be another team interested after losing Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, while the possibility of a return to L.A. is apparently still on the table.

As Beckham looks to work his way back from injury, Rapoport implied that the veteran wideout might be better off waiting until later in the season to choose a team in time for a playoff push.

“Does it actually make sense for Odell Beckham Jr. to sign now?” Rapoport wondered. “Does it make sense for him to get under contract with a team, just know he’s someplace, or is it better for him to wait until I don’t know, October, maybe even early November?

“Maybe another contending team suddenly has a need, and there’s Odell sitting there, and he can become basically what he was for the Rams last year. The strategy here is going to be fascinating to watch. I don’t get the sense anything is imminent.”

From Inside Training Camp: The #Rams have stayed in contact with FA WR Odell Beckham Jr, but what’s next? Me and Tom Pelissero discuss… pic.twitter.com/JMYMJRMVFU

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 7, 2022

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.