READY TO TALK?
Giants co-owner Mara says negotiations on OBJ contract will ‘start pretty soon’
EAST RUTHERFORD » Co-owner John Mara has no interest in disclosing publicly whether he believes Odell Beckham Jr. is the best receiver in football, or whether he is prepared to give the Giants’ superstar the highest salary at his position.
Negotiations on a contract extension have not yet started, but Mara says Beckham will get paid if the Giants have their way.
“I anticipate that we’ll be speaking with his agents sooner rather than later,” Mara said Thursday at training camp. “I’m not going to give you an exact timetable on that ... but I think they’ll start pretty soon.”
Beckham, 25, is one of only two receivers from the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to not yet receive an extension on their rookie contract. Beckham is set to make $8.459 million in final season of his five-year deal.
For comparison, Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans signed a five-year, $82.5 million extension in March. Brandin Cooks reupped July 17 for five years with the Los Angeles Rams for five years and $80 million.
Despite a broken ankle that forced him to miss the final 11 games last season, Beckham is the only receiver in NFL history to record at least 90 catches, 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons.
“We obviously want him to be a Giant for a long time,” Mara said. “We think we know what it’s going to take to sign him. We’ll see if they agree.”
For all his negative side antics, including an incident last season when he simulated a dog peeing on the field in Philadelphia, Beckham has done all the right things during the Giants’ offseason.
Beckham was participated in the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp in June. He then reported to the start of training camp Wednesday even with contract talks stalled. Other stars from the 2014 draft class such as Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack are currently holding out from their respective training camps.
“I think this was the timing we always had in mind, but I think Odell personally is moving in the right direction,” Mara said. “He’s come in here with a good attitude. He showed up yesterday with a smile on his face and has worked hard. I think he’s ready to go. He’s ready to have a great season.
“It certainly had an effect on our desire to start negotiations. He’s had the right attitude all along.”
CAMP NOTES
• General manager Dave Gettleman, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer that is now in remission, spoke to the players during a team meeting Wednesday. “He’s doing well,” Mara said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been around a more upbeat person in my life, particularly going through what he’s going through. But he’s very optimistic about his recovery and about his ability to work this year.”
• Defensive tackle Damon Harrison did not practice Thursday afternoon. Head coach Pat Shurmur said the All-Pro is being eased into training camp and should be on the field this weekend.
• After not partaking in team drills during the spring, Beckham returned fully in that capacity Thursday. He participated in on 11on-11 sessions and looked smooth catching several short passes from Eli Manning.