The Dallas Cowboys do not need to sign superstar free agent Odell Beckham Jr, but the New York Giants do. That's the opinion of NFL legend Osi Umenyiora.
Beckham is the top free agent available and could prove to be a key addition for any team hoping to go on a deep run into the NFL Playoffs. The 30-year-old signed for the Los Angeles Rams last year and starred, scoring seven touchdowns en route to the team winning Super Bowl LVI.
Back in February during the Super Bowl, Beckham was set to be MVP of the Super Bowl when he tore his ACL during the Rams’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It was originally reported the charismatic receiver would find a team in mid-November, but he is now expected to visit the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys this week before deciding on his next destination.
Multiple teams have expressed interest in Beckham’s services, including the Buffalo Bills, the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Umenyiora is clearly hoping Beckham spurns the intense interest shown bye the Cowboys in favour of a reunion with the Giants.
“The Dallas Cowboys don’t need Odell Beckham,” Umenyiora told Jason Bell on the NFL UK podcast. “The Dallas Cowboys want Odell Beckham. You know who needs Odell Beckham? The New York Football Giants. There’s only one right decision to make here - and forget emotion. This is common sense.
“Think long-term, don’t think short-term here. Think long term. You go back to the New York Giants You do not go to the Dallas Cowboys. You listen to me, buddy, and I’m telling you right now, you listen and you listen good. I’ve made these mistakes before, and I’m telling you right now: go back to New York. That’s it for me.”
Beckham is expected to officially visit both the Giants and the Cowboys this week. The Cowboys have employed a public courting of Beckham recently, with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently referring to Beckham’s talent as an ‘additive’ that could help take the Cowboys offence to the next level.
The three-time Pro Bowler worked his magic last season when he helped the Rams to Super Bowl glory, and Jones clearly believes he could do the same for Dallas. However, Beckham has a history with the Giants and became something of a cult hero for fans of the franchise.
Beckham had 390 catches for 5,476 yards and scored 44 touchdowns in 59 games for the Giants in his career after he was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was named Rookie of the Year for his breakout season, and Giants followers will be desperate for a reunion rather than seeing Beckham don the colours of their fierce rival.
