Does Pat Shurmur expect Odell Beckham Jr. to be with the Giants this season?
“Absolutely,’’ Shurmur said Tuesday on Day 1 of a three-day minicamp. “He’s an excellent player. He’s a part of our team, and he’s a very valued member of our team.’’
In yet another step forward as far as showing the Giants what they want to see, Beckham is attending this week’s voluntary minicamp, even though he will not be able to practice with his teammates.
Beckham continues to rehab coming off ankle surgery and is not yet cleared for on-the-field work. He participated Tuesday in the warm-ups and walk-through portion of practice, though, and his presence on the scene is another sign he means business as far as comporting himself the right way and showing the organization he is worthy of a long-term commitment.
“He’s going through his rehab to get fully cleared,’’ Shurmur said. “He was able to be involved in the walk-through but as we get going, competitive, full-speed he won’t be able to participate.’’
Beckham showed up two weeks ago for the start of the offseason workout program and last week returned to Los Angeles, eschewing the second week of the workouts in New Jersey to return to training on the West Coast. The Giants are fine with this arrangement.
“It’s like any relationship, we constantly communicate,’’ Shurmur said. “We had a great talk [Monday] as we were getting ready for this minicamp so we could talk about what we were trying to get accomplished. We’ve spoken on the phone, we text. It’s like any relationship, we’re very honest and open with one another and we communicate frequently.’’
Beckham is entering the final year of his contract, scheduled to make $8.45 million after the Giants picked up his fifth-year option. He is seeking a long-term extension that would make him the highest-paid receiver in the league.