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Should the Detroit Lions trade for Odell Beckham Jr.?

By Steven Mullenax

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 29: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants looks again before the start of the Giants and Washington Redskins game at FedExField Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 29: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants looks again before the start of the Giants and Washington Redskins game at FedExField Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Looking to get over the playoff hump, would the Detroit Lions’ brass consider making a trade for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.?

The Detroit Lions had several issues in 2017. Problems that ultimately forced head coach Jim Caldwell to the unemployment line. But passing the ball wasn’t one of them.

With quarterback Matthew Stafford under center, and a talented trio of wide receivers in Golden Tate, Marvin Jones and rookie Kenny Golladay, the Lions passing attack was one of the few things that went right for the Motor City last season. Detroit finished the year as the NFL’s sixth best passing offense, averaging 261 yards per game through the air.

And the Lions appear on track to produce similar numbers in 2018, with all their key places remaining, including offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. It is likely because of this team’s passing proficiency that Cooter survived the massive coaching exodus in Detroit this offseason.

With that in mind, why on Earth would the Lions consider trading for the league’s top wide receiver in Odell Beckham Jr.? Amidst more off-the-field controversy, it appears the Giants are considering trading their best player as the team is in full-rebuilding mode.

Beckham is a former first round pick out of LSU in 2014. In the final year of his rookie deal in New York, Odell is expected to garner a massive payday soon, likely making him the highest paid receiver in the NFL. And he reportedly wants that extension now, something near $20 million a year.

The 25-year old’s salary demands combined with his off-the-field issues apparently have the Giants thinking twice about making a long term investment in the talented receiver. And according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, New York is willing to move on from Beckham. But the discussion of any trade for him starts with two first round draft selections.

That’s seems like a premium price for a receiver with Beckham’s troubled history. He is undoubtedly talented as a three-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Rookie of the Year. During his first three season in the NFL, Beckham actually averaged 96 receptions, 1,374 yards and 12 touchdowns.

But last season, Beckham recorded just 25 catches for 302 yards and three scores as an ankle injury limited him to just four games.

As for the Lions, they could be in the market for a replacement for Tate, there top receiver, who is in the final year of his contract in Detroit. He’ll also be 30-years old before the start of the regular season. So trading for someone like Beckham makes sense on some level. And it would provide Stafford his best target since Calvin Johnson, who retired two years ago.

Next: Matthew Stafford and the QBs of the 2009 NFL Draft

But at a projected cost of $20 million per season and sacrifice of two first round draft picks, the Detroit Lions should steer far clear of Odell Beckham Jr. Even though he may be the most talented receiver in the league, I’m not sure any player is worth that ridiculous price tag.

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