New York Giants: Odell Beckham Jr. deal may have been an image statement

The New York Giants took enough grief from fans over the Odell  Beckham Jr. trade. Now we learn that there may have been more too it than we first knew.

It’s an interesting time to be a New York Giants fan. Why, you ask? Because fans are desperately trying to figure out what is going on. What, exactly, is the plan to build this thing back up?

We have seen the team remain all in with Eli Manning and trade star Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns for hardly a premium package in return.

What is Dave Gettleman doing? You’ve probably heard of business in front, party in the back. Is this rebuild in front, old guard in the back?

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Taking into account the superstar ability of Beckham and the dwindling skill set of Manning makes the plan very difficult to understand.

Beckham is a young player and Manning is old. They have to find Manning’s heir apparent at SOME point, don’t they?

But then we find out additional information that, if true, adds a whole new dimension to the theory.

ESPN NFL expert Adam Schefter went on his podcast on Monday and was talking about our Giants.

Take a look at what he had to say about the trade, (via the NY Daily News):

"“I know —know — there were other teams that offered the Giants more than the Browns did for Odell Beckham Jr.”"

Isn’t that interesting? If Schefter is right, and typically he is, it uncovers a new layer on this topic. It’s one that may not be surprising, depending upon your outlook.

Think about the respective careers of Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. Both are insanely talented football players. Yes, there is a huge age difference, but that is not where I am going.

Look at the demeanor of the two players. One is calm, cool and collected under any and all circumstances. The other has temper tantrums. I’m not judging, it is what it is, but you know where this is going.

Beckham doesn’t represent the team the way Eli does, so they moved on as quickly as they could to clean up their image.

It’s the only thing that makes sense. Why move on with the first move they received if that wasn’t the reason? Why leave better offers on the table?

Because they wanted him out.

Could I be wrong? Sure. The Giants have had players that have represented them badly for many years, so it is an odd time to make a change.

The evidence seems to play in that direction though. Hopefully it translates into wins.