Could Steelers' AFC North Rival's Latest Big Move Lure Lamar Jackson Back In 2023?

After weeks of speculation, the rumors are true: Odell Beckham Jr. has agreed to terms with Pittsburgh Steelers' rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Beckham Jr. hasn't touched a professional football field since the 2022 Super Bowl when he brought home his first championship with the Los Angeles Rams. Beckham Jr. took down the AFC North Cincinnati Bengals in a heartbreaking loss, but this didn't come without a torn ACL. Since then, his next move has been up in the air.

Beckham Jr. was drafted by the New York Giants 12th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, and immediately became one of the most beloved dynamic duos in football with quarterback Eli Manning. He made his presence known during his rookie season in 2014 with 1,305 yards on 91 receptions with 7 touchdowns. Beckham followed up his rookie season with two standout years in 2015 and 2016, becoming one of the biggest names in football. The flashy young player had a disappointing season in 2017 as he was sidelined due to injury. His last season with the Giants was in 2018 before being traded to the Cleveland Browns. Beckham spent three seasons with the Browns before demanding a trade and landing with the Rams on a team-friendly, one-year deal. 

Back To The AFC North

As of Sunday, Beckham Jr. will be making his official return to the AFC North, this time with the Baltimore Ravens. 

Not only did the Ravens pick up Beckham, but they paid him a monstrous contract worth up to $18 million with $15 million guaranteed. This could be a risky move for the Ravens in more ways than one. If the contract negotiations don't get sorted out with quarterback Lamar Jackson, which is entirely possible as Jackson has stated that he wants out, Beckham could easily be unhappy with his production. 

In the past, lack of production and cohesiveness with a quarterback has resulted in a trade demand from Beckham, as seen with his departure from Cleveland back in 2021. When Beckham saw a lack of targets from Baker Mayfield, he quickly wanted out. Unless this is a ploy by the Ravens in attempt to reel Jackson back in, the front office has to have some concerns on his attitude towards playing with backup Tyler Huntley. 

As shown in his Arizona private workout, in which both the Ravens and Browns both attended, it appears that he'll be able to pick up where he last left off. Beckham showed flashy plays with one-hand catches, which were crowd pleasers for the 12 teams in presence. There's no telling if he'll be able to bounce back from this injury and achieve previous success, but this didn't stop the Ravens. 

As for Beckham, he seems more than happy with the deal.

How does this impact the Steelers? The black and gold have been able to stop the receiver in the past, but we have to wonder if this will bring Jackson back to the starting lineup in Baltimore. Will the gamble pay off, and will Jackson change his mind? Comment below!

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