The Carolina Panthers are dealing with injuries across the board right now. General manager Dan Morgan is trying to address these problems, but taking a chance on wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. would be a step backward.
Beckham made his triumphant return to the NFL this offseason, signing with the New York Giants. The three-time Pro Bowler did enough to make the 53-man roster, but the G-Men released him after their Week 3 game against the Tennessee Titans.
Head coach John Harbaugh said that he had a good conversation with Beckham, but that the Giants wanted more. They decided to cut the cord now, which gives the veteran a chance to catch on elsewhere.
Carolina Panthers should not think about signing Odell Beckham Jr.
Just how likely that is remains to be seen.
Teams were not exactly queuing around the block for Beckham before this second chance with the Giants. He was among the league's best once upon a time and could have been on a Pro Football Hall of Fame trajectory before injuries took hold.
That's just the way it goes sometimes.
Unfortunate, but the NFL is a cold business.
Even though Beckham's hopes of prolonging his career have taken a hit, that hasn't stopped some in the media from speculating on his new landing spot. The Panthers were recently named as a surprising option, but that doesn't really fit the way Morgan operates.
The Panthers have worked hard to build a strong young receiver group. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are both dealing with injuries, but the former is week-to-week with a knee injury, and the latter has quad and ankle issues. Hopefully, they won't be missing for long, but Carolina doesn't seem in any rush to find outside help.
Odell Beckham Jr.'s time has gone, and the Carolina Panthers are trusting their youth
Tetairoa McMillan still leads the charge. The Panthers also have John Metchie III, Brycen Tremayne, and veteran David Moore, who was just signed from the practice squad.
If all else fails, summer standout Ja'seem Reed could get elevated from the practice squad.
But those plans should not include signing Beckham.
Every dog has its day. Beckham lit up the league at his peak. He transcended the game, and he will always be synonymous with the one-handed catch after some jaw-dropping grabs throughout his glittering career.
The Panthers are trusting their youth. They believe in this group, and even though the injuries are not ideal, it would be surprising if Morgan and head coach Dave Canales deviated from this path.
Beckham might get a lifeline somewhere. He's experienced, has been part of winning franchises, and can provide relief if needed.
At the same time, it's not 2015 anymore.
The game has moved on, and it seems to have passed Beckham by after his time with the Giants fizzled out quickly.
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