In South Beach, Odell Beckham is hoping to make a big impression.
The Dolphins have signed Beckham to a one-year contract worth up to $9.25 million, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Friday, citing sources. The star receiver will next make his way to Miami.
The three-time Pro Bowler, who is thirty-one years old, will now suit up for his fifth NFL team. Beckham has only appeared in 28 games while playing for the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and Baltimore Ravens during the previous three years.
With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle the team’s two fastest receivers, Beckham and the Fins will now try to find the source of his former glory. Although there has been some speculation about Beckham and the Dolphins, this contract comes as a bit of a surprise as Miami selected USC wide receiver Thahj Washington and Virginia wide receiver Maliki Washington with sixth and seventh round picks, respectively, in the 2024 NFL Draft.
It seems like head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense can never have too many choices.
Beckham’s five-year tenure with Big Blue came to an end with a trade to the Browns prior of the 2019 season. During his first three NFL seasons, he earned each of his three Pro Bowls with the New York Giants. In 2019, he had his final 1,000-yard season with Cleveland; nevertheless, in 2021, the Rams signed him after granting his request for release.
Beckham’s star was lit up again with Los Angeles, especially after he had a spectacular first half and touchdown catch in a Super Bowl victory. But he tore his ACL during that same Super Bowl. Despite several visits from free agents, he was forced to miss the entire 2022 season due to it.
Last season, Beckham made a comeback to the Ravens after signing an eye-opening one-season, $18 million contract. In 2023, he suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of the game for a while. Nevertheless, he ended his one-year stint in Baltimore with 35 receptions (fourth on the team), 565 yards (second on the team), and three touchdowns. As he regularly did in previous autumns, Beckham made numerous highlight-reel receptions, but he also dropped a few balls that were easy. He demonstrated that he still had some pep in his step. He had eight games in the regular season with two or less catches, so the consistency was never there. He managed just four receptions for 34 yards in the two postseason games the Ravens played.
He’ll be joining a Tua Tagovailoa-led offense in Miami that is rife with playmakers, so he may very well be a veteran luxury with the occasional big play ability. Although it is doubtful that he can continue to perform at the Pro Bowl caliber he has in the past, McDaniel’s scheme would undoubtedly be an ideal environment for him to do so.
Perhaps the largest free agent still available, the No. 77 free agent on Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 101 list, is headed to Miami after being declared off the board.
