New York Giants

Agent for Odell Beckham Jr. talks with Giants assistant GM

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:10 a.m. ET

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The agent for New York Giants star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had a long conversation with the team's assistant general manager during practice on Thursday.

Zeke Sandhu of Elite Athlete Management and Kevin Abrams of the Giants talked for almost two hours on the patio overlooking the team's practice fields as Beckham and teammates held a morning workout.

Neither man was available to the media.

Giants co-owner John Mara said last week the team was going to start negotiations on a new contract for the 25-year-old Beckham. He will make $8.5 million this season in the fifth and final season of his rookie deal. The three-time Pro Bowler has said he wants to be among the NFL's highest-paid receivers.

When asked by The Associated Press if the team had anything to say about Sandhu and Abrams talking, Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon replied: ''No.''

A telephone call to Sandhu went to his voicemail, which was full. An email from The AP to Elite Athlete Management was not immediately answered.

Beckham missed most of last season after breaking an ankle in early October. He has shown no side effects in training camp and his quickness and speed seem to be the same.

''He's doing what we expected him to do,'' said coach Pat Shurmur, who said Beckham was engaged and energetic. ''Again, most of the scripted periods, we give him the plays that are necessary for him to learn. He's right on track.''

Shurmur said he does not comment on contract talks.

Beckham has not spoken to the media since the team reported to training camp on July 25. He seemingly sticks to football in conversations with other players.

''Yeah, most of the time it's about technique or what I was thinking on some route or what he was thinking or whatever is coming up in the script, and what we're excited for,'' fellow receiver Sterling Shepard said about his discussions with Beckham on Thursday. ''We're always just picking each other's brain. I'm always picking his brain, for sure. Trying to see what he's thinking or what he thought about whatever just happened, or whatever I just did.''

Beckham has made the Giants' offense go since being drafted in the first round in 2014. In 47 NFL games, the former LSU player has 313 catches for 4,424 yards and 38 touchdowns.

NOTES: The Giants have switched their practices to the morning on Thursday and Friday because Beyonce and Jay-Z are performing evening shows at MetLife Stadium, which is close to the team's headquarters. ... Part of referee Jerome Boger's officiating crew is at practice this week to discuss changes in the rules and new points of emphasis. The biggest change will be the emphasis on penalizing players who lower their heads before making contact. It could lead to an ejection. The other officials present were down judge Mike Carr, side judge Jonah Monroe and umpire Bill Schuster. ... Running back Saquon Barkley, the No. 2 overall draft pick, had a reduced role Thursday to give him a break.

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