Are the San Francisco 49ers looking to dangle the No. 2 pick in front of the New York Giants with the hopes of prying away wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.? The most logical offer, should general manager Dave Gettleman fall in love with a quarterback in the incoming draft class is the second-overall pick for the Giants' No. 6 pick and another selection or two to sweeten the offer.
Jordan Raanan of ESPN can't envision that being enough. He discussed the rumors surrounding Beckham on his Breaking Big Blue podcast.
"The Giants are not going to put him on the trade market," Raanan said. "They're not going to actively go out and trade Odell Beckham Jr. But if somebody's going to talk to them about Odell and put in an offer, they're going to listen. Now they would have to be blown away for anything involving Odell Beckham Jr."
Raanan believes the Giants paying Beckham nearly $21.5 million for the 2018 season after signing him last August to a five-year deal worth up to $95 million is one reason a trade is unlikely. He also notes that New York will take a $16 million hit in dead money should it trade him.
"And obviously he's a great player," Raanan continues. "The fan base would be upset."
Then you have the rumors that San Francisco is at least interested in Beckham. Raanan has heard from multiple sources that the 49ers would "definitely be interested" in the three-time Pro Bowl receiver if he was on the trade market or even interested if he's not on the trade market.
"Now they do have an asset that can get the Giants to at least think about it," Raanan explained. "That asset is the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft."
The Giants might fall in love with former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins to replace Eli Manning. Raanan believes Gettleman might try to move up to the No. 2 spot if Haskins continues to check all the right boxes. However, he isn't envisioning a swap of the No. 2 and No. 6 picks in the upcoming draft.
Raanan envisions a scenario where the Giants get the No. 2 pick for Beckham and also holding on to No. 6. That might be too steep a price for San Francisco, who could still land one of its top-ranked pass rushers after a potential move down to No. 6. The Raanan says even his scenario might not be enough.
"If the 49ers were perhaps interested, that would be something that might be able to attract the Giants' attention," Raanan continued. "Still probably need more than just that, but that would probably be a pretty good starting point. Otherwise, I think it's unlikely. I really do. I think it's unlikely the Giants trade Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason."
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find