New England Patriots rumors: Belichick, Beckham Jr flirting in free agency

The New England Patriots need a No. 1 wide receiver, and one free agent playmaker needs a new home.  With the NFL free agency period simmering down, the infatuation between Bill Belichick and Odell Beckham Jr is heating up once again.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots and Beckham had “exploratory talks” early in free agency and neither side is in a rush to get a deal done.

The Patriots interest in the three-time Pro Bowler is obvious, but will Belichick invest in a receiver who is coming off an ACL tear he suffered in the first half of the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals?

Well, if there is a bargain, there is a way and the two sides have remained intrigued with one another even after Tom Brady took his talents to Tampa Bay.  With Mac Jones now at the helm, if the Patriots finally land Beckham Jr will give him a top weapon, even if it comes later in the NFL season depending on Beckham’s recovery.

New England Patriots interest in Odell Beckham Jr may finally play out

After coming very close to signing with the Patriots after his release from the Cleveland Browns, Beckham Jr decided to chase a Super Bowl with the Rams.  Not only did he contribute to the Rams’ offense, but he also thrived.  In eight games played with the team, he caught 27 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns.

Most impressive was his post season numbers before the injury.

During the Rams march to Super Bowl victory, Beckham Jr caught 21 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns, including one early that Super Bowl matchup.  Not only did he prove he is still a top target in the NFL, but he also showed he can be clutch on the big stage.  So, even if he is not fully healthy by the start of the NFL season, it is an investment Belichick and the Patriots would be smart to make, especially if the price is right.

Want your voice heard? Join the Chowder And Champions team!

Write for us!

If you are a New England Patriots fan, you may not want to give your hopes up once again, but the longer Beckham Jr is not signed, the more likely that he just might finally end up on the same sideline of a coach he has publicly admired and expressed an interest in playing for.

"“Going against Bill Belichick this is somebody who I have much respect for,” Belichick said prior to a game at Gillette Stadium back in 2019.  “Probably talk to him before and after the game.  He tells me the same thing every time, he’s like: ‘I hope you enjoy today because there’s not going to be much for you.’  That’s what he’s told me and that’s what he does every single time.  It’s just tough.  He’s going to coach it up and they’re going to be ready and prepared.”"

While Belichick has had success coaching against Beckham Jr., the intrigue here is what he can get out of a high-caliber wide receiver who seemingly wants to be pushed.  The New England Patriots head coach certainly has a reputation of doing that.

So, while the Patriots have been relatively quiet in free agency, they may possibly have a big splash coming.  Odell Beckham Jr. could be a part of that splash…this time around.

But we’ve had this tango before, haven’t we?