Odell Beckham Jr. to New York Jets: 5 reasons why Woody Johnson should sign FA WR to assist Aaron Rodgers

Odell Beckham Jr. remains unsigned despite the private workout he hosted a month ago. Reports revealed that the Baltimore Ravens offered him a contract, but nothing has materialized since.

But there’s some progress in his search, as the New York Jets have invited him for a visit. NFL Network National Insider Ian Rapoport shared more details about the activity. He said:

“The #Jets long-awaited meeting with WR Odell Beckham Jr will be multi-faceted. It will include not only a physical but also a thorough discussion of what to expect in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense with a deep WR room. How will it all fit together is a big point of discussion.”

The Jets will become legitimate contenders by acquiring Beckham Jr. and pulling a trade for four-time NFL MVP Rodgers. That tandem could help them end a playoff drought that stretches over a decade.

Here are five more incentives for Jets owner, chairman, and chief operating officer Woody Johnson to sign Odell Beckham Jr.:

#1. Odell Beckham Jr. is must-see football

Even without Rodgers, OBJ is a highlight reel waiting to happen. So, audiences allot their attention to what’s happening on the field when he’s lined up. He is also an approachable personality that helps the community through charitable work.

He is a marketer’s dream, pulling endorsements from Nike, Foot Locker, and Lenovo, among others.

That’s the star power the Jets have been looking for since Brett Favre’s short stint. Sure, they have budding celebrities like Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson. Beckham Jr. would really help fill the stands during Jets games.

ESPN revealed that the team ranked 27th in home game attendance (at 94.6 percent of MetLife Stadium’s capacity) last season. Signing Odell Beckham Jr. would improve that.

#2. The Jets would become primetime television

The team is heading towards contender status after finishing the 2022 season with a 7-10 record. However, having Odell Beckham Jr. and Rodgers in the same building can accelerate that progress. The production and experience they bring can generate more victories.

When that happens, broadcast networks will want to put them in during primetime slots when bigger audiences tune in. Having more primetime games can significantly boost the Jets’ brand popularity.

Yes, networks can increase ad spot prices during their games, but Johnson can also leverage attention by selling more season tickets or private boxes. Merchandise sales can also go through the roof, and more Jets players get invited to other television shows.

#3. Odell Beckham Jr. helps improve the Jets’ struggling offense

During his time with Davante Adams, Rodgers has proven he needs just one great wideout to lead a team to the playoffs. If he joins the Jets, he will already have that in Wilson, who finished the 2022 season with 1,103 yards and four touchdowns. But imagine how explosive their offense could be with Beckham Jr.’s addition.

It’s an upgrade the team badly needs after finishing 15th in passing yards (219) and 29th in points (17.4) per game last season. Having Wilson and Odell Beckham Jr. is like having wide receivers 1A and 1B. Newly-hired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett can create mismatches and open up more scoring opportunities by having them line up together.

#4. OBJ isn’t under pressure to produce

While he looked great during his private workout, the true verdict on Odell Beckham Jr.’s health will come on game day. Jets fans will have a collective sigh of relief if he completes the 2023 season injury-free. After all, he’s had two ACL injuries, making him prone to decreased numbers and future knee concerns.

But with the Jets, he can ease into his role because of Wilson, Allen Lazard, and running back Breece Hall. He will still make plays, but the pressure is not solely on him. That scenario worked for him with the Los Angeles Rams when Cooper Kupp completed a season for the ages.

In New York, Odell Beckham Jr. can focus on the game and be a piece in their puzzle. Of course, he has to take advantage of favorable coverage when opposing defenses devote more personnel around Wilson.

#5. The AFC East is highly competitive

This reason alone should convince Johnson to make Beckham Jr. a Jet. The Buffalo Bills have Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Gabe Davis. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots have Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry, and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Then there’s the Miami Dolphins with Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle. The competition for the division title will be challenging for the next few years.

That’s why the Jets need Odell Beckham Jr. and Aaron Rodgers. It’s not enough for head coach Robert Saleh to continue to nurture his young but talented defense.

Their division rivals can run up the score, and they should have enough firepower on that side to respond. Winning the division gives them an automatic postseason berth. That’s an attainable goal after these big-name additions.