Numerous players across the NFL are set to play with added motivation in Week 18, driven by financial incentives. One notable exception is Odell Beckham Jr., who, despite being on the brink of lucrative bonuses, will not participate. The Baltimore Ravens, having secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed, have decided to grant Beckham, potential MVP Lamar Jackson, and other key players a two-week rest to ensure peak performance in the upcoming AFC divisional round.
While Beckham is undoubtedly focused on being fully prepared for the playoffs, he can’t help but feel a bit disappointed about missing out on a potential $1.25 million. Beckham’s contract includes incentives tied to specific performance milestones. For instance, an additional 5 receptions (he currently has 35 this season) would have earned him $250,000. Scoring two more touchdowns would have added another quarter-million to his earnings.
The most significant bonus hinged on Beckham revisiting his past glory with the New York Giants. With 565 receiving yards this season, he fell short of the 750-yard mark required for a substantial $750,000 bonus. Despite his impressive career, which includes two games with 185 receiving yards, the last occurrence ironically dating back to 2016 against the Ravens, Beckham missed the mark this season.
In a candid Instagram post addressing his incentives, Beckham humorously advised gamblers not to bet on his performance, accompanied by several laughing emojis. He acknowledged the financial considerations, stating, “If it were all up to me, it’d be no question. I gotta feed my son, but that ain’t how life goes.”
Ultimately, Beckham concludes the season with 35 catches, 565 yards, and three touchdowns. Despite the financial setbacks, the 31-year-old, a recent Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams, praises the current Ravens team as the “best” he has been a part of in the NFL. He emphasized the organization’s efficiency and the caliber of players, expressing his satisfaction during a postgame celebration.
Looking ahead, the Ravens, with their coveted No. 1 seed, will host the lowest-seeded team in the divisional round in two weeks.
