Latest Patriots-Odell Beckham Jr. buzz proves fans wasted their time
The New England Patriots‘ interest in Odell Beckham Jr. was reportedly “real.”
His interest in the Patriots? Not exactly mutual.
As we learned after Beckham signed with the Los Angeles Rams last week, he clearly was not going to take the league minimum despite being released from the Cleveland Browns and taking home $7.25 million for the rest of the season.
That posed the first problem for the Pats’ pursuit of the star wideout. They didn’t have enough cap space to bring him on board if they were to have offered the $4.25 million Los Angeles was willing to give.
The other problem?
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Beckham’s preferences went Rams, Packers, Chiefs, Seahawks … and then Patriots.
Just how real was the Patriots' interest in OBJ?
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) November 14, 2021
"The interest was very real" - @AlbertBreer pic.twitter.com/AGYRFohQLa
The Odell Beckham Jr.-Patriots rumors never really stood a chance.
That opening from Breer was a bit of a head-scratcher, too. Patriots players were openly talking about the possible addition of Beckham in what may have been a recruiting tactic green-lighted by Bill Belichick? And they thought that would move the needle? You don’t think Beckham already knew a number of better teams and offenses would’ve been ecstatic to acquire him in unexpected fashion for only a fraction of what he’s worth?
Mac Jones is unquestionably the best rookie quarterback in the 2021 class so far, but he’s not Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes or Russell Wilson. All of those star veterans captain pass-first offenses as well. The Patriots are a rush-first team and spread the ball around to as many options as possible on a weekly basis.
Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (impressive Christian Barmore and the second-round trade-up; Mac Jones grinds through "little dry spell"; OBJ follow-up; Cam's return to Panthers; Nick Folk's accuracy; 1,000th game for Patriots etc.). https://t.co/tWqgqe4xYl
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 14, 2021
Trusted Patriots insider Mike Reiss of ESPN also weighed in on the situation Sunday, revealing that the Patriots’ financial pitch wasn’t enough, nor was their offensive attack. Like we said over the weekend … Tom Brady isn’t here anymore. There’s no indisputable allure with the Patriots, no matter how promising they may look at the moment.
Turns out, though, the Pats didn’t need Beckham to dismantle his former team on Sunday. Against the third-ranked defense in the NFL, Mac Jones and Co. moved the ball on the ground and through the air to the tune of a 31-point victory in what was a top-to-bottom dominant effort.
We understand getting excited for a potentially game-changing acquisition, but the Patriots (and their fans!) at this moment need to focus on what they have in that locker room and work on building this offense for the next era of football in New England. Importing a personality such as Beckham risked disrupting the team’s flow and chemistry.
It was never in the stars this season. But heading into 2022? OK. Maybe get excited for that.
