Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay must have whispered a prayer before the 2021 NFL season started.
Then, the football gods showered multiple blessings upon the City of Angels.
Matthew Stafford joined the team, and Cooper Kupp became one of the league’s elite receivers.
They also got Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller via trade in November.
Finally, Odell Beckham Jr. fell onto their lap after a shaky stint with the Cleveland Browns.
Writing his own story. @obj is an NFC Champion. pic.twitter.com/SPhPbG9dU2
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) February 2, 2022
Those pieces were invaluable in the Rams’ journey to Super Bowl LVI.
But the triumph is sweeter for Beckham, considering what he endured.
Ready To Prove His Worth
It’s hard to find good news about Beckham before his move to Los Angeles.
With the Browns and the New York Giants, distraction is the word often associated with the four-time Pro Bowler.
However, the 29-year-old wide receiver proved that a change in atmosphere could bring good fortune.
After no team claimed him from the waiver wire, the Rams signed him to a one-year deal that could be worth up to $3 million with performance-based incentives.
Odell is going to the Super Bowl ‼️ pic.twitter.com/dQm4BNyh4f
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) January 31, 2022
Compared to the five-year, $90 million deal he got from the Giants, that amount was loose change.
But the chip on his shoulder motivated him to prove his doubters wrong.
At first, it didn’t look like the former LSU standout could fill the void Robert Woods left.
Then he started playing well and kept the momentum going to the postseason.
Beckham Delivering In The Clutch
His 19 catches out of 23 targets in three playoff games is astonishing.
But that’s just the beginning of the story because he’s averaging 12.4 yards per reception.
Every ball that Stafford threw at him resulted in a first down.
More importantly, his production gained steam with each week passing.
God thank you for this opportunity. It’s time.
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) January 30, 2022
He only had 54 yards in the Super Wild Card Weekend against the Arizona Cardinals but could not care less because it was a blowout.
A week later, the Rams needed all of his 69 receiving yards to edge the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road during the Divisional Round.
Then, he finally had a 100-yard game this season when they overcame a ten-point deficit to claim the NFC Championship over their nemesis, the San Francisco 49ers.
Beckham is gaining steam, and that’s bad news for their opponents, the Cincinnati Bengals.
.@OBJ showing love to Deebo after a hard-fought game ❤️ @19problemz pic.twitter.com/J1FaUxn7ic
— NFL (@NFL) January 31, 2022
Playing at home for the NFL’s ultimate prize will inspire him to perform extraordinarily.
Super Bowl LVI will only be his 12th game with the Rams, but he’s feeling at home.
He is a positive addition not just on the field but also in the locker room.
One And Done In Los Angeles?
As it stands, a long-term deal for Beckham to stay with the Rams will be beneficial for both parties.
However, general manager Les Snead must perform some salary cap gymnastics to make it happen.
The Rams will be $14 million over the projected 2022 cap, and they have several decisions to consider.
First, can they pay hefty sums of money to Beckham and Woods?
"If the Packers had acquired WR Odell Beckham Jr., things in the NFC would have turned out differently."
#WeInOrWeOut on that statement? pic.twitter.com/EaXfyR1dB6— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) February 1, 2022
Second, will they retain veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth, and for how much?
Third, are the Rams willing to let Rob Havenstein walk away?
Releasing Whitworth and Havenstein will save the franchise around $18 million.
Meanwhile, Woods can shed $10 million more off their books if cut as a post-June 1 designation.
That $28 million would be enough for Beckham to remain with the Rams and keep their championship window open.
Doing away with the salaries of Michael Brockers, Todd Gurley, and Jared Goff, gives the Rams more cap flexibility.
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