On the first of organized team activities, the New York Giants were reportedly missing their star wideout.
Dan Duggan of NJ.com is reporting that Odell Beckham Jr. was not on hand for the Giants’ first OTA. These sessions are not mandatory, and Beckham does not have contract incentives to participate according to Duggan, but it’s no secret that coaches and executives prefer to see their players participate.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk speculates that Beckham’s absence may be a tactic to land a long-term deal:
With Beckham eligible for a new contract following the completion of his third season, it’s possible that he’s choosing to stay away in order to get paid.
New York picked up its fifth-year team option on Beckham on April 24. At the time, Beckham used a series of tweets to announce his pledge to work harder than ever.
Just wanna say today I woke up feeling extremely blessed. The start of a new chapter in my life began this pass week.
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) April 24, 2017
I will be workin harder than I ever have, to be the best that I ever have been. I'm more motivated now then I have ever been.
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) April 24, 2017
Words are only that, so its time for action. To the LOYAL Giants fans out there. I'm lettin u kno now, this will be somethin uve never seen.
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) April 24, 2017
I'm in the lab. Head down, my fire has been lit and the world continues to fuel it. It's time to be exactly who u are, I'm goin for it all.
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) April 24, 2017
The reason for Beckham’s absence on Monday is not known. The Giants have more OTAs on Tuesday and Thursday, the latter of which is open to the media.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
