11 April 2023 , 10:00
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Odell Beckham Jr has joined the Baltimore Ravens - five years after making his feelings on Lamar Jackson clear.
Beckham Jr has been snapped up in an eye-catching $18million (£14.5m), one-year deal as he returns from the torn ACL he suffered in Super Bowl LVI. The three-time Pro Bowler joins hoping he will have star quarterback Jackson throwing him the ball, despite his recent trade request.
Beckham Jr has long been a fan of the former Louisville standout, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2016. And when Jackson was drafted by the Ravens in April 2018, Beckham Jr made it clear just how highly he rated the quarterback.
In a tweet which has now resurfaced after the pair became teammates, he wrote: “Congrats brudda ! Im watching u for life, u remind me of my favourite player ever … Michael Vick”.
Since Odell’s lofty comparison, Jackson has gone some way to proving he can be compared to Vick and the greatness he produced early in his NFL career. The Ravens signal caller won NFL MVP in 2019 after rushing for an NFL record 1206 yards whilst throwing for another 3127 yards.
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However, things have turned sour in Baltimore with Jackson publicly requesting a trade after they placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on him. He has accused the Ravens of showing no interest in meeting his value during negotiations over a long-term contract.
Jackson recently shared a FaceTime call with Odell Beckham Jr in something of a hint he could stay put and play with the new signing. Yet he has been warned not to change his plans just because of one big-name arrival.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Odell Beckham Jr a good signing for the Baltimore Ravens? Join the discussion in the comments section.
Odell Beckham Jr has been a fan of Lamar Jackson since the moment he was draftedGood Morning Football host Kyle Brandt said: “I Just don’t see it that way [stay at the Ravens], and I don’t think he should. Lamar, don’t take a dollar less because Odell is on the team, okay? Not a dollar less.”
Brandt continued: “I don’t know what the motivation is here [Beckham Jr joining the Ravens]. I’m hearing he wanted money…Well, which is it? Did you want money? Because then just go, and who cares if Lamar is there?”
Announcing his intentions to push for a trade last month, Jackson wrote on social media: "I want to first thank you all for all of the love and support you consistently show towards me. All of you are amazing and I appreciate y’all so much. I want you all to know not to believe everything you read about me.
"Let me personally answer your questions in regards to my future plans. As of March 2nd I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value.
"Any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the Super Bowl. You all are great but I had to make a business decision that was best for my family and I."