He will only count for something like 774K this year.
His contract isn’t that bad either for the next 5 years for a true #1 WR
If traded the Giants are on the hook for all the guaranteed money.
Can’t dispute the personality.
It’s evident the guy loves football and that’s right up the Pats ally.
It’s a very, very, very interesting situation. It seems ludicrous at first, but when you consider everything, it almost makes sense.
1. The guy is an incredible talent that would, IMO, almost certainly excel on the team.
2. He has a “huge contract” but much of that is tied into money the Giants have already paid him. He’s practically free this year and as far as I understand it, would have no guaranteed money against the Pats, so if he doesn’t work out or starts to cause issues down the line they can simply cut bait (or probably trade him again).
3. Given the above, you’d almost never think a team would trade a player with a contract like that; however it’s a unique situation where the Giants are a dumpster fire and they are in “we have to do something drastic” mode and may think dumping Odell calms the fires or something. They can probably get a first from the Pats for him and use it to start rebuilding.
4. Is he worth a first to the Pats? I think yes. He’s an elite talent under team control for many more seasons, in his athletic prime, with no guaranteed money, on an expensive but not too expensive contract once you take out the dead money from the Giants. He would be a huge asset to the team, he loves football, and they’ve shown they can integrate guys like him and help them flourish. He could be a team leader here for all I know. He’s passionate and needs someone who can channel that passion. NY sure isn’t doing that for him.
I’m not totally sure how I feel about it, but it’s quite a unique situation.
