© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The 49ers are reportedly interested in acquiring Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who has been subjected to trade discussion throughout the past week.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the prospect of Beckham being traded is “absolutely real” on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora confirmed Schefter’s statement, adding that the 49ers are in ‘proactive mode’ in the Beckham talks.
“I continue to hear San Francisco is monitoring this thing closely, has real interest,” La Canfora wrote. “And this could shape up as a very interested NFC West arms race.”
La Canfora listed Beckham’s top three suitors as the Los Angeles Rams, 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks.
The collective interest in Beckham is no surprise, given his historic start to his career. He is the only player in NFL history to record three straight 80-catch, 1000-yard seasons to begin a career. He will return to the field in 2018 after suffering a broken ankle in Week 4 of the 2017 season.
The Beckham trade talks have heated up recently after the receiver was video recorded with some suspicious-looking substance close to him in a Paris hotel room. Beckham has made headlines for sideline temper tantrums, controversial celebrations, and in-season partying throughout his four career seasons.
Giants owner John Mara is seemingly fed up with the star receiver’s antics.
“I’m tired of answering questions about Odell’s behavior and what the latest incident is,’’ Mara said at the NFL owners meetings last week. “I think he knows what we expect of him, and now it’s up to him.’’
The Giants owner said he isn’t shopping Beckham, but Mara also stated that no player is “untouchable” following a 3-13 campaign. Mara’s comments started trade rumors that have recently turned into substantive reports of teams inquiring about the receiver.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch seem content with the current receiving crops, including Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor, Aldrick Robinson, and Kendrick Bourne. The 49ers chose not to pursue any of the free agent wide receivers that included Jarvis Landry, Sammy Watkins, and Allen Robinson. Shanahan also said at last week’s owners meetings that a Julio Jones-type talent isn’t required for an offense to excel.
None of the current 49ers receivers, however, are of Beckham’s caliber. And if a generational talent is available, it’s understandable why the 49ers would at least reach out.
Acquiring Beckham would come at a steep price. Beckham wants to sign the richest contract in NFL history for any non-quarterback, totaling around $20 million per year. Only 16 current players — all of which are quarterbacks — make that kind of annual money.
The Giants are also looking for two first-round draft picks for Beckham, according to Schefter. The 49ers have the No. 9 overall pick in the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft. They also have the No. 59 pick and two third-round selections.
The 49ers have more than $46 million in cap space, the third most in the league. Acquiring Beckham could potentially jeopardize re-signing current staples in the future, including star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
But like Mara, Lynch won’t rule out any options. The Beckham trade talks will likely ramp up as the draft approaches on Apr. 26.