LA Rams remove Odell Beckham Jr.’s nameplate from his locker

The LA Rams got as much out of veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. as possible, up to and including his first-half heroics in Super Bowl LVI that left OBJ clutching an injured knee and the Rams clinging to a 13-10 lead that would ultimately prove to be the margin of victory.

The euphoria in the post-Super Bowl series of celebrations after that remarkable win proved to be plenty of hollow promises for the Rams fans who believed that the Rams had hit on that special combination that might prove to be the makings of the elusive NFL dynasty. But that can and should all be forgiven.

After all, the fans had no reason to believe that so many of the key positional coaches and coordinators would agree to accept promotions to hire on with other NFL teams. We had no reason to believe that the decisions over which players would be offered contracts to remain with this team would be so quickly injured. Nor did we have any reason to guess that so many vital players would sign elsewhere.

But perhaps the harshest reality has finally hit home. We had no reason to believe that the LA Rams would be out of the running to re-sign WR Odell Beckham Jr. before the end of November 2022. But that is the harsh reality, and it appears that even the ever-optimistic LA Rams organization has come to grips with it.

While the removal of Odell Beckham Jr.’s nameplate was all but a given as soon as the Rams first lost veteran QB Matthew Stafford to the NFL concussion protocol, the reality hits hard, doesn’t it? For the first time in LA Rams HC Sean McVay’s career at the helm of the team, wins are not coming.

And because wins are not coming to the LA Rams this season, neither is WR Odell Beckham Jr. it seems. There have been mixed messages from the negotiations that have gone on between the team and the player so far. Some reports indicated that there was no offer made by the Rams. Other reports indicate that the Rams extended a lowball offer to OBJ, that was rejected due to its sub-market terms.

The moment that Odell Beckham Jr. lay writhing in pain on the football field of SoFi Stadium in Super Bowl LVI, the wheels of motion began turning that would change the fortunes of so many. The LA Rams may not be playing winning football just yet, but perhaps this is a good time to remind the organization and fanbase alike just how rare and awesome five consecutive winning seasons have been under the tenure of Coach McVay.

OBJ may not be back, but that does not end the chapter of success for the LA Rams whatsoever. In fact, I believe that the Rams will rebound dramatically next season.  In the meantime, the Rams will have opportunities to give young players an opportunity to gain experience. It may not feel like a win-win just yet, but be patient.

The best things in life are worth waiting for.