The overlooked significance of Ravens signing Odell Beckham Jr.

The Ravens signed WR Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal this offseason. Here are three reasons his addition to Baltimore is more significant than some may realize.

Locking up the franchise

The Ravens signed QB Lamar Jackson to an extension this offseason that will keep him in Baltimore through the 2027 season. However, there was a time that many believed he had played his last snap for the team. Beckham Jr. helped make sure that didn't happen.

Jackson wasn't shy in telling the Ravens he wanted to play with Beckham Jr., and they responded by giving the 30-year-old wide receiver, who hasn't played since suffering a torn ACL in Super Bowl LVI, a deal worth up to $18 million. It may have been an overpay, but Beckham Jr. helped the team lock up its franchise quarterback for years to come.

Down with the champs?

The reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs were reportedly close to making a trade for WR DeAndre Hopkins, who signed with the Titans on Sunday. But Baltimore's deal with Beckham Jr. apparently blew the deal up.

In a year that the Ravens' Super Bowl aspirations may be higher than ever, preventing QB Patrick Mahomes from getting Hopkins is certainly a win. If Baltimore wants to win a championship this season, they'll likely have to go through Kansas City. But in part thanks to Beckham Jr., it will be without the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Talent and leadership

It's no secret a healthy Beckham Jr. has all the talent in the world to help the Ravens have a successful 2023 season. The former 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft has 531 catches for 7,367 yards and 56 touchdowns in his career.

Beckham Jr. is bringing All-Pro play and leadership to a young wide receiver room that has underwhelmed the past few years. If there's anyone who can turn around the group, which didn't have a player eclipse 500 yards in 2022, it's Beckham Jr.