Should New York Giants trade Odell Beckham Jr.?

Despite holding their highest draft selection in over three decades and signing this year’s top left tackle, Nate Solder, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. continues to steal the headlines in the Big Apple.

The New York Giants star receiver is coming off a season-ending ankle injury and now won’t “set foot on the field without a new contract,” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Beckham’s demand for a new contract is nothing new. New York’s 2014 first-round pick said prior to the 2017 season that he wants to be the NFL’s highest-paid player.

Giants co-owner John Mara addressed Beckham’s future with the franchise this week, via ESPN.

"“I can’t answer that one way or the other. We’re certainly not shopping him. Again, when you’re coming off a season when you’re 3-13 and played as poorly as we played, I wouldn’t say that anyone is untouchable.”"

Big Blue’s general manager Dave Gettleman has shown he is not afraid to the pull the trigger on big trades. He has already made two of the most significant trades in the franchise’s recent history.

New York Giants

Shipping Jason Pierre-Paul to Tampa Bay and acquiring Alec Ogletree are the most notable trades the franchise has made since before the Jerry Reese era.

But while JPP and Ogletree are two dynamic players, neither transaction has drawn as much attention as the speculation of an OBJ trade.

Should Big Blue Trade OBJ?

The immediate answer to this question is no. It seems foolish to trade one of the top three receivers in the NFL. Beckham put up astronomical numbers through his first three seasons and was on pace to do the same in 2017 had he not been injured.

But before completely ruling out an OBJ trade, the Giants should at least entertain the idea. It doesn’t hurt New York to listen to offers. The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly willing to part with the No. 23 overall pick for the three-time Pro Bowl receiver.

The thought that New York would trade Beckham for the No. 23 overall pick is almost laughable. It will surely take more for the G-Men to part ways with their star receiver.

Even if Beckham is a distraction off the field, what he brings to the gridiron is almost irreplaceable. The 5-foot-11, 198-pound receiver has the ability to change the momentum of a game on any given play.

New York’s former general manager spent the past few seasons building a fantasy football offense with players like Beckham, Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram. Reese’s abandonment of the offensive line and ground game only made OBJ’s presence more important.

Gettleman is already trying to fix those issues, signing Solder and Patrick Omameh. But make no mistake about it, Big Blue’s new general manager knows what Beckham brings to the table, via New York’s team website.

"“The bottom line is, Ernie (Accorsi) taught me this and I told you guys this, you don’t quit on talent.”“He’s on our team. … The kid works his fanny off. His rehab is going terrific. He sends us pictures and video (laughs). He’ll send us a video of him running. He is an excellent worker.”"

The Giants shouldn’t give up on Beckham. They also shouldn’t make him the highest-paid player in the NFL.

He’s under contract for the upcoming season. Big Blue also has the ability to place the franchise tag on him in both 2019 and 2020.

Beckham could choose to hold out. How did that work out for Aaron Donald, Kam Chancellor, or Le’Veon Bell?

Beckham has put himself in this position. In terms of talent, he is everything you can ask for at the wide receiver position. It’s the boat trip, his sideline antics, and the recent video that have put his future in New York in jeopardy.

Next: Don't Overlook Michael Thomas Signing

For now, the Giants shouldn’t trade Beckham. But if Cleveland came calling with the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks though, some Big Blue fans will likely be changing their tune.