Simms thinks New York Giants should get OBJ’s extension ‘over with’

The New York Giants have made it clear this offseason that they are all-in on winning in 2018.

New York Giants first-year general manager Dave Gettleman used the franchise’s highest draft selection in over three decades on a running back and spent top dollar in free agency to land a left tackle.

Giants former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Phil Simms believes the organization has at least one more significant decision to make prior to this upcoming season. That’s to pay Odell Beckham Jr.

Simms told Paul Schwartz of the New York Post that the Giants need to have their focus on one thing heading into the 2018 season.

"“You need zero distractions. You want him on your team, you know what he is and you know you’re all-in this year. All right, so go all-in. You got to go all-in and that means you got to get Odell Beckham Jr. signed and not make it a big part of the whole offseason story on every TV show I have to watch. So get it over with.’’"

Beckham’s contract extension has been one of the biggest storylines around the league this offseason. As opposed to previous years, it’s not due to Beckham’s actions.

The Giants All-Pro receiver attended OTAs and the team’s mandatory minicamp. He has no plans of a holdout and is expected to arrive with his teammates at the start of training camp next month.

Beckham’s decisions this offseason have shown his willingness to be a team-first player. The Giants obviously have some concerns signing him to a record-breaking deal.

He’s coming off a season-ending ankle injury and has made some questionable off-field decisions in the past. But Simms thinks signing Beckham is well worth the risk, especially given the team’s success with Lawrence Taylor.

New York Giants

"“It’s always a gamble. You want to win, you got to gamble. Nobody knows him better than they do. I’ve never heard a teammate or run into any of his teammates who ever tell me anything bad about him. He makes the Giants really relevant. He’s one of the big names in the NFL. Old-timers and writers look at his antics and this and all that. We had a guy who had some antics, too. We put up with him, and it worked out pretty well.”"

Undeniable Talent

There has been plenty of debate about whether the Giants should pay Beckham. There’s even a debate about when the Giants should pay Beckham. However, there is no debating No. 13’s talent.

Beckham is considered one of the league’s best receivers. Despite missing the majority of the 2017 season, NFL Network analyst and six-time Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne still listed OBJ as the NFL’s third best receiver.

That’s not a surprise. Pro Football Focus has Beckham listed as the No. 47 overall player on their top 50 players for 2018. He is just the third player in NFL history to start his career with three consecutive seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards while recording a minimum of 10 touchdown receptions.

That’s why many believe the Giants should pay Beckham, including Simms.

"“He is one of the best weapons on offense I’ve seen in the NFL in a long time. Antonio Brown is great, but he’s a different type of player. So is Julio Jones. I just look at Odell Beckham Jr. and, man, I don’t know what to say.”"

It’s unclear if the Giants and Beckham will be able to work out a deal before training camp. Maybe Big Blue is waiting to see if his ankle will hold up through the start of the regular season. It’s also possible Gettleman is holding off on an extension till next offseason. The team does have the option to use the franchise tag.

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Simms clearly hopes it doesn’t get that far. He wants New York’s star receiver locked up on an extension and the focus to be on the team’s upcoming season.