Beckham expected for Thursday’s OTA
Sometimes there is more tot a no-show, other times a no-shown is just that.
Odell Beckham Jr. missing Monday’s OTA practice while the vast majority of his Giants teammates were on the field, working? In this case, a no-show is a noshow,sh with no ulterior motives.ti
Beckham did not make it forfo OTA No. 1 and was not in attendanceat Tuesday for OTAO No. 2. It is believed he informedin the Giants he will be at the team facility ThursdayT for OTA No. 3.
As far as optics, Beckham missingm the first practice doesdo not look great, but lookslo can be deceiving. A yearyea ago, veteran cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was not present for the first OTA. Coaches do their best not to show irritation when a player does not show up, because all these practices (other than the three-day mandatory minicamp June 13-15) are voluntary, though participation is strongly encouraged — and essential for certain players battling for starting jobs or roster spots.
“DRC wasn’t able to make it,’’ Ben McAdoo said one year ago, referring to Rodgers-Cromartie’s absence. “We look forward to getting him back here as soon as we can. It’s a voluntary opportunity, OTAs. If he’s here, we’ll coach him. If he’s not, we wish him nothing but the best.’’
McAdoo, though, made it clear he wanted his players on the field whenever possible.
“We feel it’s important to developing the team and building fundamentals and working on communication,’’ McAdoo said.
Rodgers-Cromartie last spring made some workouts and missed others and went on to have one of the best seasons of his career.
Often, when players stay away for an extended period it is a money-driven boycott. Beckham will make $1.83 million this season, his fourth with the Giants, and if that sum of money can be viewed as underpaid, Beckham’s salary certainly qualifies, given the riches handed out to players with half his accomplishments. Beckham is entering the final year of his four-year, $10.4 million rookie deal. The Giants picked up his fifth-year option, meaning he is scheduled to make $8.45 million in 2018.
Would Beckham like a new contract now? Sure, considering Steelers receiver Antonio Brown recently signed a four-year, $68 million deal, which might pale in comparison to what Beckham could eventually haul in. However, there are no indications Beckham is upset about having to wait to get paid. When he arrives, perhaps he will take some good-natured ribbing from his teammates. Then, it is back to work.