With NFL free agency in full force, one of the biggest names that still remains on the board is wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. OBJ was a free agent for all of last season as he was recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in Super Bowl LVI. But the injury came just after the three-time Pro Bowler had caught two passes for 52 yards and one touchdown in the Los Angeles Rams' 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
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His year off to recover was not the first time OBJ has had to bounce back from an injury. After suffering a fractured left ankle in Week 5 of the 2017 season, OBJ finished the following season with 77 receptions, 1,052 receiving yards and six touchdowns in just 12 games played.
After the New York Giants traded OBJ to the Browns, he spent two and a half seasons in Cleveland before being traded to the Rams midway through the 2021-22 NFL season.
Over his career, OBJ has recorded 531 receptions for over 7,300 yards and 56 touchdowns; earned the 2014 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award; was voted to three Pro Bowls (2014, 2015, 2016); and was twice named second-team All-Pro (2015, 2016).
At just the age of 30, and after a full year of recovery and rehab, it seems that OBJ still has plenty left in the tank to put up his same numbers and make an impact on a potential Super Bowl contender. But will it be as a team's WR1? Or will he be brought in as someone who can relieve the pressure of another top receiver? A handful of teams will be in play for the star receiver, and here are some of the best fits for his return.
Buffalo Bills
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The Buffalo Bills have their main target in Stefon Diggs, and with the emergence of Gabe Davis as the No. 2 receiver, it seems like a stretch that the Bills would bring in OBJ. But this could be a very similar scenario that we saw when OBJ went to the Rams. It would force opposing teams to stretch out their secondary and allow for more opportunities to spread the ball around.
Baltimore Ravens
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With Lamar Jackson more than likely staying put in Baltimore for at least another season, the best way to mend that torn relationship is to bring in a proven veteran in OBJ. The Ravens have struggled to find their franchise quarterback a consistent WR1, and this would be a prime opportunity to do exactly that.
New England Patriots
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The New England Patriots have been busy this offseason loading up on offensive weapons for quarterback Mac Jones, signing wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and tight end Mike Gesicki. And in what would most likely be a one-year prove-it deal, signing OBJ would provide the Patriots with another talent at the receiver position and give him an opportunity to show that he is still his former self.
New York Jets
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The New York Jets and Green Bay Packers are still working out the deal to send Aaron Rodgers to the Big Apple. But bringing in OBJ to pair with this past season's NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson, along with recently signed Allen Lazard, would potentially expedite the process of acquiring Rodgers and provide him with some comfort that his new team is willing to do what it can to give him weapons, unlike his almost-former team.
Los Angeles Chargers
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I'm sure this is a head-scratcher to some. But given the rumors of the Los Angeles Chargers potentially moving on from Keenan Allen at some point over the year or so — and that he and Mike Williams have had some injury problems — bringing in a third option for not only now but for the future could be that last added step the Chargers need to get over the hump they are stuck on.
New York Giants
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A reunion with the team that drafted him cannot be ruled out, as the New York Giants could use an upgrade at wide receiver. And given his relationship with the city and some of the players, including Saquon Barkley, the chemistry would already be there for this team, which just signed Daniel Jones to an extension.
