Odell opts to work harder
Odell Beckham Jr. announced on Twitter Monday that he intends to work “harder than I ever have ... to be the best that I ever have been,” perhaps in effusive reaction to a report that the Giants had picked up the fifth-year option on Beckham’s rookie contract for 2018.
“Just wanna say today I woke up feeling extremely blessed,” Beckham tweeted. “The start of a new chapter in my life began this pass week. 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.
“Words are only that, so its time for action,” Beckham continued. “To the LOYAL Giants fans out there. I’m lettin u kno now, this will be somethin uve never seen. 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.
“Stay Tuned. Stay blessed,” Beckham added, before signing off with the hashtag, “#ImOffTheGrid.”
NFL Network’s Kim Jones reported just after noon on Monday that the Giants are picking up Beckham’s fifth-year option. And just more than an hour later, Beckham unloaded his inspired string of tweets.
The Giants had until May 2 to pick up Beckham’s option, which raises the former 12th overall pick’s cap number from $3.3 million in 2017 to $7.84 million in the fifth and final year of his rookie deal.
But it was a given the Giants would pick it up anyway, because the alternative would have been letting him head to unrestricted free agency after this coming season and then franchise-tagging him. The franchise tender for receivers this past year was $15.7 million for one season.
Beckham is scheduled to make only $1.84 million in salary this coming season, and the Giants likely will look to sign him to an extension at some point anyway, before the option becomes fully guaranteed on the first day of the league year next March. (It is guaranteed to injury only if the club exercises the option, which the Giants reportedly have).
Jabrill Peppers, the Michigan all-around athlete suddenly in hot water for a positive test for a dilute sample as his NFL Draft approaches, seconded Beckham’s sentiment with a tweet that read: “On bro.”
Giants fans no doubt are thrilled to hear about Beckham’s oath of commitment, as well, as he seeks to build on three incredible seasons to open his NFL career but also to redeem himself from a forgettable performance in this past season’s blowout wild card loss in Green Bay.