“Funniest thing” – NFL insider absolutely torches Odell Beckham Jr.’s $20M demand

Odell Beckham Jr. is attempting to make his return to an active roster during the 2023 NFL offseason. His contract with the Los Angeles Rams expired following the 2021 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. He ended up missing the entire 2022 NFL season while recovering from a devastating knee injury that he suffered during his Super Bowl victory with the Rams.

Beckham tried to get signed to a team prior to the start of the NFL Playoffs last year, but he wasn't fully healthy enough to earn a contract. The 30-year-old recently ramped up his activities during the offseason with the official 2023 NFL free agency period right around the corner. He recently hosted a workout to show potential teams that he's recovered and ready to get back on the football field.

According to NFL insider Mike Florio, Odell Beckham Jr. is potentially seeking a contract worth $20 million in AAV. This would make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. Another NFL insider, Peter King, recently shared his thoughts on the rumored massive contract demands.

"I think the funniest thing I saw in recent days was Mike Florio’s report—true, I‘m sure—that Odell Beckham, after working out for teams in Arizona Friday, after averaging seven games played, 22 catches and 285 yards over the past three years, views himself as a $20-million-a-year player. Riiiiight."

Football Morning in America is up! In my column today✏️☕️:

🌴Jalen Ramsey’s off to Miami
🐈What will Panthers do with the No. 1 pick?
🐻D.J. Moore part of Bears ’23 transformation
❤️️Remembering Bud Grant
profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/03/13/pet…

King pointed out that it's been a while since Odell Beckham Jr. played at a level that warrants the type of contract he's rumored to be seeking. He's struggled to stay on the football field over the last few years due to injuries and other reasons.

Why Odell Beckham Jr. isn't worth a $20 million contract in 2023?

Odell Beckham Jr. is now 30 years old and hasn't exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in his last two seasons (2020 and 2021). He has also failed to make an appearance in the Pro Bowl since the 2016 NFL season with the New York Giants. While he's obviously an extremely talented wide receiver, it's fair to believe that his best days may already be behind him, especially considering all of the recent injuries and missed games.

Only 14 wide receivers currently make $20 million or more in AAV on their current contracts. Tyreek Hill leads the way at $30 million, while Mike Williams, Amari Cooper, and Chris Godwin all make $20 million per season.

Beckham's recent production and implied value doesn't line up with these four players or any of the other ten wide receivers in between. He may need to lower his asking price if he truly wishes to play for a new team during the 2023 NFL season.