With a team filled with veterans wanting to reach a Super Bowl this year, one of them decided to make a change. The Miami Dolphins and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. have mutually agreed to part ways, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero. The 10-year veteran originally signed with the Dolphins on a one-year, $8.25 deal.
Beckham appeared in nine games this season. In those games, the star wideout averaged six yards per game and didn’t touch the ball more than nine times in scrimmage. In overall, a poor year for one of the most influential wide receivers the NFL has seen in the 21st century.
The Miami Dolphins and Odell Beckham Jr. Mutually Agree on Release
Short Stay
Beckham never started a game throughout this season. The Pro Bowler struggled to stay active early in the season while he dealt with lower body issues. This was evident in training camp when he would sprint down the sidelines alone with a trainer while the team practiced. Beckham’s health was always at question.
In his short tenure with the organization, the former Super Bowl LVI Champion wasn’t targeted as a first, second, or third option on offense. Beckham was targeted only 18 times through week 14, so far a career-low. Nearly every statistical number is at a career low, including receiving yards and receptions. Beckham has nine receptions and created 55 yards of total receiving yards. The production of yards is listed as 8th best.
Of course, it’s hard to say it has been entirely his fault. Miami’s offense struggled without its star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the first half of the year when he suffered a concussion in week 2. Beckham in that period didn’t catch a single ball. The only receptions that the wideout made were balls thrown by Tagovailoa.
Possible Landing Spots
With the Dolphins unlikely to make a push for a Super Bowl this year, Beckham’s release isn’t a surprise for most NFL insiders. The receiver since 2021 has targeted contenders to join. These teams included the Baltimore Ravens and the Rams. Both of his former teams are currently in playoff contention.
However, for him to sign with these teams, he’ll need to clear waivers. Possibly, this could be done as soon as today. Other teams could also benefit from a potential Beckham addition. The 32-year-old can renovate a team’s offense and bring a winning experience to teams making a push. An example of this could be the Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, which both are on route toward a playoff spot in the AFC.
At this point in his career, Beckham would provide a solid receiver in the post for a contender. His days of one-handed grabs and colorful displays of play may be over. Still, any team would jump on the opportunity to add fuel to their receiver room during December football.
Dolphins Push Forward
Despite the loss, the move doesn’t impact too much of Miami’s offense. Rookie wide receiver Malik Washington, for example, has been more inclusive in the offensive scheme than Beckham has been this year. Other receiving options, such as tight end Jonnu Smith, have pushed the Dolphins’ playoff hopes deep into this season. Miami has won four of its last five games.
The Dolphins will continue on with surprisingly good health at receiver. Wideouts Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and company all have no lingering illnesses or issues. Miami currently has a 16% chance to make the playoffs this season, according to the New York Times. If they defeat the Houston Texans on the road Sunday afternoon, it would improve to 34%.
Main Photo: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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