Odell Beckham Jr. Already Has A Strong Connection To Vikings QB Kyler Murray

Minnesota Vikings new veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and Kyler Murray have known each other since Murray entered the league, and now they’ll finally share a locker room.

Beckham spoke about his relationship with the former Arizona Cardinal quarterback after joining the Vikings, revealing that the two spent time together while living in Arizona, giving Beckham a familiarity with his new signal caller before ever stepping onto the field together in Minnesota.

“I’ve been around Kyler for a long time. We always kinda talked about this, crazy that you know, it happened,” Beckham said.

Now, years after those conversations, Beckham and Murray will finally get the opportunity to work with one another.

That familiarity could be important for a Vikings offense that has dealt with its share of injuries early in the season.

The Vikings aren't necessarily asking Beckham to return to the player he was during his prime. But this gives them another established receiving option as Justin Jefferson continues his recovery process.

For Beckham, his relationship with Murray wasn't the only reason Minnesota stood out.

He revealed that head coach Kevin O’Connell reached out to him immediately after he was released by the New York Giants.

“It seemed as if he wanted me to be here. It always feels better when you’re doing it for somebody where it feels like their heart is there for it, as well,” Beckham said.

The connection with O’Connell appears to have been just as meaningful as the one with Murray. Beckham had other options after his release, but the immediate interest from Minnesota made an impression on him and ultimately helped sway his decision.

With Beckham starting on the practice squad, the signing is more about adding experience and another familiar face to the locker room than expecting Beckham to suddenly become a major part of the offense. His role will likely be determined by how O’Connell wants to use him and what the Vikings need from him throughout the season if insurance is needed.

The benefit of Murray and O’Connell already believing in him should help Beckham get acclimated to Minnesota quickly. It appears he's landed in a situation where he feels wanted. Whether he eventually gets an opportunity to contribute on the field remains to be seen, but the connection with Murray gives this signing an interesting layer.

It will be interesting to see if Beckham is elevated from the practice squad this week ahead of the Vikings matchup with his hometown New Orleans Saints.