This story has been updated from a previous version.
The Cowboys are interested in adding free agent Odell Beckham Jr. to their receiving corps, according to a report from NFL.com.
Per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofolo, Dallas expects to be in the mix for Beckham once he is fully recovered from an ACL tear suffered in Super Bowl 56. Because of that, the team reportedly did not rush to make an addition at the trade deadline. NFL.com reports the Cowboys sought both Jerry Jeudy and Brandin Cooks at the trade deadline, though both deals fell through.
NFL.com reports that Beckham’s intended plan to return in November has been delayed. Instead, he plans to make a return in December for a potential Super Bowl contender. Other teams in the mix include the Bills, Giants, Rams Packers and Chiefs.
The Cowboys reportedly haven’t had formal discussions with Beckham’s agent. But they have regardless monitored his health as he enters the final stages of his rehab. Per Jay Glazer, he could be fully cleared to play within the week:
Big news for @obj rehabbing gong so well he’s expected to be fully cleared in the next week. Should be many suitors for his services. @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 6, 2022
MORE: Odell Beckham Jr. landing spots: Why Chiefs, Bills are among best fits for free agent WR
Beckham, the top free agent addition at receiver, reportedly wants a multi-year deal to end his career. He has made a tour of sorts around the league as he considers where to play the 2022 season and beyond. The Rams and Bills have been considered the biggest contenders, but the Cowboys now stand to be entrenched in that mix.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy spoke briefly on Beckham, saying he was “a huge fan of his” while saying the team “really loves our receiver group.”
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said “we really love our receiver group.” But with free agent WR Odell Beckham, “I’ve always been a huge fan of his. …I’ve just heard so many excellent, excellent things about him.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 7, 2022
Dallas is 6-2 on the season, but has experienced a slight dropoff at the position after trading Amari Cooper to Cleveland for a fifth-round pick. CeeDee Lamb leads the team in targets (73), receptions (42), yards (556) and touchdowns (three). Noah Brown is second on the team with 339 yards and a score.
Granted, starting quarterback Dak Prescott was out for several games with a fractured thumb. But adding Beckham to that receiving corps should help the team as it makes another run for the playoffs.