Jerry Jones Says Odell Beckham Jr.'s Plane Incident Didn't Impact Cowboys' Interest

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says the team remains interested in Odell Beckham Jr. despite an incident Sunday at Miami International Airport where the free-agent wide receiver was removed from a flight for allegedly refusing to comply with safety protocol.

Jones confirmed the Cowboys' continued interest Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan (via Jon Machota of The Athletic) and discussed how he felt about OBJ based on their conversations.

"Very genuine. Very competitive," Jones said. "Feels confident. Feels good about himself. We think he can fit in really good with us."

The Cowboys owner, who also serves as the franchise's general manager, said he's told Beckham that time is of the essence because they want to get him involved in the offense for the stretch run of the regular season to prepare for the playoffs.

"This year has to be a big part of it," Jones said. "We have six regular-season games and the playoffs, so in my mind, we have almost the whole show ahead of us. We got to have a situation where he can really contribute now."

He added: "We have to have this year. It's very important. This year has to be a big part of it."

Beckham, who's finishing his recovery from a torn ACL suffered in February's Super Bowl made a series of Twitter posts following Sunday's incident.

No charges have been filed related to his removal from the plane.

Beckham struggled to make an impact for the Cleveland Browns last year, but he hit his stride after signing with the Los Angeles Rams in mid-November. He recorded 27 catches for 305 yards and five touchdowns in eight regular-season games with the Rams.

The 30-year-old LSU product performed even better in the playoffs. He tallied nine catches for 113 yards in the NFC Championship Game and had an early touchdown catch in the Super Bowl to put himself in the Super Bowl MVP conversation before suffering his knee injury.

It's impossible to know what type of production Beckham can provide 10 months after his latest major injury, but his track record is leading to a lot of interest. Along with the Cowboys, he's scheduled for meetings with the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

In Dallas, Beckham could provide a boost to a passing attack hampered by injuries. James Washington has yet to play this season after suffering a fractured right foot in August.

Beckham would likely slide into three-wide sets alongside CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, which would give quarterback Dak Prescott no shortage of weapons. Tight end Dalton Schultz is also a key factor in the aerial attack.

Add in a rushing attack featuring Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more complete offense in the NFL if OBJ is anywhere close to full strength.

Beckham hasn't provided a timetable for a decision about his next team, so it's a waiting game for the Cowboys and every other team in pursuit of the three-time Pro Bowler.

Meanwhile, Dallas is headed for a prime-time clash against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football in Week 13.