It was widely expected that the Baltimore Ravens were unlikely to re-sign wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason due to their limited cap situation. On Friday, May 3, the star wide receiver joined the Miami Dolphins on a 1-year deal, confirming the earlier belief.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport announced the news by saying, “The #Dolphins are set to recruit #Ravens free agent WR Odell Beckham Jr, according to sources close to me and @TomPelissero, finding a new team for the fast player. This move further speeds up Miami’s offense.”
Former teammate (and now current teammate again) CB Jalen Ramsey tweeted at the receiver after the news, saying, “You remember what happened last time right O? @obj.” He attached a picture of the Los Angeles Rams celebrating the Super Bowl victory.
Beckham has been pursued by several teams, and just like in 2023, he was waiting for the right situation to arise. The All-Pro WR now joins Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle forming one of the more daunting trios in the NFL at the WR position.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa adds another weapon to what was already a strong passing attack.
Rapoport later posted, “For the #Dolphins and WR Odell Beckham Jr, it’s a 1-year deal worth up to $8.25M, sources say. He accepted less than what was offered elsewhere, but wanted the right fit.”
Similar to the Ravens contract, it seems his deal will be based on incentives, with potential for a larger payday. This indicates that Beckham prioritizes the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl over potentially earning more money elsewhere.
Odell Beckham Joins a Dangerous Trio in Miami
Beckham will be joining his fourth team in four seasons as the former first-round draft pick seeks to vie for another Super Bowl opportunity.
The New York Giants drafted Beckham in 2014, and the LSU product immediately made an impact, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and earning two All-Pro Second team selections in his first three years.
When healthy, Beckham was one of the most dominant receivers in the league, achieving over 1,000 yards in five of his first six seasons.
However, he has not surpassed this milestone since 2019 with the Cleveland Browns and has struggled with injuries in recent years. Beckham missed the entire 2022 season and joined the Ravens in 2023, where he was supposed to help bolster the position for QB Lamar Jackson.
Beckham delivered a mixed performance for the team, tallying only 35 catches for 565 yards and 3 touchdowns in 14 games. Nonetheless, between Weeks 9 and 13 Beckham had a powerful surge where he contributed significantly to the Ravens’ offense.
Off-the-field and in the locker room, Beckham proved to be a valuable asset, serving as a mentor to rookie Zay Flowers and a leader on a contender.
With the Dolphins, Beckham is not expected to be the main focus; instead, he will be a third option that could relieve pressure off the QB, while also creating more opportunities for Waddle and Hill.
Attempting to defend all three options may keep defensive coordinators awake all week as the Dolphins aim to compete in the wide-open AFC East.
Ravens Looking to Rebuild Their Own WR Room
It remains to be seen if letting Beckham walk was the right move for the Ravens receiving group. Flowers will be entering his second year, and while he seems to be the primary player in the group, the other receivers have yet to show consistent success.
Behind Flowers are Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor who both agreed to stay with Baltimore during free agency. Bateman, a former first round pick, has not been able to consistently stay on the field and contribute.
Agholor, on the other hand, is a reliable third option but cannot lead an offense like Beckham or Flowers can.
General manager Eric DeCosta also drafted rookie Devontez Walker in the hope that he can grow and find a role in the offense, but there might be an increased focus on the running game with the addition of Derrick Henry.
The Ravens are also likely counting on tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely again in 2024, but it is equally important to have capable receivers who can relieve the pressure off Jackson.
