Odell Beckham snubs 49ers, decides to join Cowboys instead

Odell Beckham could have helped the 49ers down the stretch and into the playoffs, but he’s going to be joining the Cowboys, according to Jerry Jones himself.

The San Francisco 49ers were one of a number of teams favored to land star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in NFL free agency this late in the season.

A season removed from helping the Los Angeles Rams not only get past the Niners in the NFC Championship game but also win the Super Bowl, Beckham spent the bulk of 2022 both rehabilitating the torn ACL he suffered during the big game while also mulling over his decision about where he’d like to sign this year.

Beckham could have gone back to LA, but the Rams’ wholly inept defense of the Super Bowl this season certainly dissuaded the receiver from returning to Southern California.

Instead, he’ll be heading to join the Dallas Cowboys, according to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones himself.

Odell Beckham shuns 49ers, to join Cowboys instead

Jones told USA Today’s Jarrett Bell this week that Beckham would indeed join Dallas for its upcoming playoff push.

“Odell’s going to join us,” Jones revealed. “There’s a good chance he will, with the complete goal of getting ready for a playoff game or two, and then I’ll look to the future. But most of it being about now.”

Currently in a Wild Card spot, thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles holding the No. 1 seed, the Cowboys are going to look for more offensive weapons in a bid to get beyond losing to a team like the Niners in the opening round of the postseason.

And San Francisco fans can’t forget what happened the last time these two teams met in the playoffs.

Perhaps Jones and Co. are recalling that game’s particular outcome while recalling how Beckham played a vital role in beating the 49ers two weeks later when he was with the Rams.

Did 49ers even need Odell Beckham?

This should be a good debate, and it’s probably predictable which side most Niners fans will be on once the Beckham-to-Dallas news goes official.

No, San Francisco didn’t need him.

Except for the fact that it’s No. 1 wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, is sidelined for a few weeks with ankle and knee injuries. If a fully healthy Beckham was able to join the 49ers, perhaps he would have helped alleviate Samuel’s absence.

And teams gearing up for a Super Bowl push are usually wise to stockpile as much talent as possible, even though the Niners already have it in droves.

In short, the best argument is one that suggests San Francisco could have benefited from Beckham’s presence but will likely be just fine without him in the long run.

Especially if the 49ers somehow wind up beating the Cowboys again in the playoffs, which would make his choice of declining the Niners that much sweeter.