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Jerry Jones still interested in OBJ despite flight incident: 'Not an issue'

Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Odell Beckham Jr.'s incident on a flight isn't an issue for him, adding that he remains interested in signing the free-agent wide receiver.

"His overall team compatibility, his judgment, his behavior is not an issue with him," Jones said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. "It is with many. It isn't with him."

Beckham was kicked off a plane in Miami on Sunday. Police said officers were dispatched to the flight after the crew became concerned for the wideout's health. Beckham appeared to be coming in and out of consciousness while attendants tried to wake him to fasten his seat belt. Beckham's attorney said his client didn't put his seat belt on because he fell asleep with a blanket over his head prior to takeoff.

Beckham will meet with the Cowboys on Monday. The New York Giants and Buffalo Bills are reportedly also among the teams that are set to host the star receiver.

Jones said the decision to pursue Beckham is about this year, not the future.

"We have to have this year. It's very important. This year has to be a big part of it," Jones said. "We have almost the whole show ahead of us, but we've got to have a situation where we can really contribute now."

Beckham, who's been cleared to return after suffering a torn ACL in February, became a free agent after finishing last season with the Los Angeles Rams. The three-time Pro Bowler helped L.A. win the Super Bowl after joining the team midway through the campaign.

Beckham finished 2021 with 44 receptions for 537 yards and five touchdowns in 14 appearances split between the Rams and Cleveland Browns. He put up 288 yards and two scores in the playoffs with Los Angeles.

The 8-3 Cowboys, who rank second in the NFC East, have been looking for another high-profile receiver since trading Amari Cooper to the Browns in the offseason. CeeDee Lamb tops Dallas with 64 receptions for 857 yards and five touchdowns in 2022.

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