Giants co-owner John Mara launched the first salvo in the anticipated Odell Beckham Jr. contract saga.
The early signs indicate Beckham will be on the field for their opener Sept. 9 and will be in a Giants’ uniform for quite some time.
“I anticipate that we’ll be speaking with Odell Beckham’s agents sooner rather than later,” said Mara at the team’s training complex Thursday morning. “I’m not going to give you an exact timetable on that, but I think will start pretty soon.”
Beckham reported to camp Wednesday and is in the final year of his rookie deal. He will make approximately $8.5 million. The Giants did not designate him as franchise player before the July 22 deadline, and he can become a free agent next season.
In the offseason, Beckham stated that he was seeking a contract in the neighborhood of $20 million.
Los Angeles Rams receiver Brandin Cooks recently signed a reported five-year, $80 million($16 million per year) extension. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown is making approximately 17 million.
Beckham played the first four games last season before he suffered a season-ending, ankle injury. Despite reports of alleged drug use and unruly behavior with him and his entourage during the offseason, Beckham participated in the prior offseason workouts.
“I think this is the timetable we always had in mind,” Mara said. “But I think Odell is personally moving in the right direction. He’s coming here with a good attitude. He showed up with a smile on his face and has worked hard.
“We obviously want him to be a Giant for a long time, and we obviously know what it will take.”