Jets trying to mimic Ravens with Odell Beckham Jr. interest is puzzling

The Baltimore Ravens have seen three of their free agents from last season bolt in favor of a spot with an AFC North rival, as Geno Stone, Tyler Huntley, and Patrick Queen have all crossed the Rubicon. The other popular landing spot for former Ravens, including Odell Beckham Jr, seems to be the New York Jets.

The Jets, led by a longtime Ravens scout in Joe Douglas, acquired 40% of Baltimore's starting offensive line from last season by signing left guard John Simpson to a two-year contract and acquiring right tackle Morgan Moses. After Beckham was cut loose after just one season, the rumors between him and New York are starting back up once again.

ESPN's Rich Cimini is reporting that Jets fans should "keep an eye" on Beckham, who was projected to sign with the Jets last season before the Ravens signed him to a very rich contract. Beckham and Aaron Rodgers have been linked together quite frequently over the years.

The Jets seem to believe that signing as many former Ravens as possible will be what ultimately takes them over the top and finally snaps their postseason drought. Unfortunately, the Jets signing Beckham is not going to have the impact his name would suggest.

NY Jets trying to mimic Baltimore Ravens with Odell Beckham Jr. interest

Beckham is in his 30s, will likely try to earn a deal that is close to eight-figures for a cash-strapped Jets team, and hasn't had more than 600 yards receiving in a season since 2019. With injuries mounting and performance on the decline, Beckham is more of a name-brand at this point.

While Beckham was still effective at times for the Ravens, they tried to make him a viable No. 2 wide receiver for an MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson, and he didn't exactly do a great job of making himself indispensible. No wonder Baltimore moved off him.

The Jets might not be the best spot for Beckham anyway. With the idea of selecting a wide receiver at No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft more likely after their offensive line moves, Beckham could start this season relegated to a third wide receiver role. Would he do that for a fringe playoff team?

While no one will forget the dynamo Beckham was with the Giants, his hype belies what sort of player he is at this stage of his career. If the Jets have too strong of a Ravens fetish and overpay for his services, they could be very disappointed.