New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman knew the question was coming. So he stepped up to the podium on Wednesday and answered it before reporters could ask.
"We didn't sign Odell to trade him," Gettleman said. "I know that's all over the place, so understand that. That's all I need to say about that."
The Giants GM is, of course, referring to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who has been much discussed this offseason as a potential trade commodity even after signing a five-year, $95 million extension last August.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports isn't buying the GM-speak and believes the Giants would be open to trading Beckham for the right offer.
"Hey, interested teams, it would take a ransom to get him, but keep calling," La Canfora wrote as he attempted to translate what Gettleman really meant by his comments at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
La Canfora stated in a Wednesday column that league sources told him the Giants are not unwilling to trade Beckham, despite what Gettleman said. La Canfora goes on to say that head coach Pat Shurmur has had a tough time figuring out how to manage the receiver.
"A trade is certainly not out of the question," La Canfora continued. "In fact, sources have pointed to the 49ers and Raiders as the most likely strong suitors should this situation escalate. Stay tuned. Long offseason ahead."
The Giants made Beckham, who played college football at LSU, the No. 12 overall selection in 2014. He registered 77 receptions for 1,052 yards with six touchdowns through 12 starts with the Giants in 2018 before missing the final four games with a quad injury. Beckham has caught 390 passes for 5,476 yards with 44 touchdowns through his five NFL seasons.
The Beckham trade rumors gained steam when FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer made a bold prediction earlier this month that the Giants would trade the receiver. It is important to note, though, that Glazer did not specify that the prediction was based on any offseason rumblings or sources.
Shurmur on Wednesday called his relationship with Beckham "solid" and noted that the receiver is living in California this offseason. He was asked if the Giants would consider trading Beckham.
"I wouldn't talk about that," Shurmur responded, "but I'm looking forward to having him back here in April and moving forward with the rest of the guys."