Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had some words for his friend Odell Beckham Jr. on where he should sign in free agency.
Justin Jefferson and Odell Beckham Jr. are good friends. The who star wide receivers have a lot in common, including playing their college football at LSU, making a big impression early in their careers, and playing the same position in the NFL.
It wasn’t much of a surprise when Beckham expressed his displeasure with playing in Cleveland. Not only was his target share down a lot but his three seasons with the Browns were career lows for him in receiving yards per game and receptions per game.
His frustrations boiled over and he was eventually released by Cleveland, cleared waivers, and was free to sign with any team that offered him a contract.
The most obvious destinations were the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints,, and any other team where he could see more targets than he was getting from Baker Mayfield in The Forest City.
Instead, Beckham signed with the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams don’t exactly need a lot of help at receiver. In fact, they recently released DeSean Jackson because they could get him enough targets. However, there is at least one person who is happy that Odell didn’t end up in the NFC North.
What did Justin Jefferson say to Odell Beckham Jr.?
According to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune on Twitter, Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson didn’t want Beckham to suit up for the green and gold. Here is the tweet:
Justin Jefferson and Odell Beckham are close from the fact they both played at LSU; Jefferson said he told Beckham not to go to Green Bay.
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 11, 2021
“I love Aaron Rodgers. I love Davante Adams. It would be a good mix for him, but I definitely don’t want to see it.”
Vikings reporter Lindsay Young shared more of that quote, shining a little more light on the conversation between Jefferson and
Maybe Odell took Justin Jefferson's advice to heart?
— Lindsey Young (@LindseyMNSports) November 11, 2021
"I was like, 'Look, bro, don’t go to Green Bay. We ain’t seen them yet. We still have to see them twice. Don’t go there, please.' "
(The Vikings will stay face Beckham this season when they host the Rams in Week 16.) https://t.co/XssmtjMzDu
Not wanting to play against his friend twice this season is a major sign of respect between the two receivers. Beckham would be a major threat in Green Bay and would have helped a receiving group that lacks depth.
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It hasn’t been revealed if Justin Jefferson’s words for Odell Beckham seriously made an impact on his decision to sign with the Rams instead of the Packers. It was likely a little more about the financial side of things. No matter the reason, Jefferson got his wish.