The odyssey of Odell Beckham Jr.'s career took yet another turn as the veteran wide receiver recently cleared waivers after his brief stint with the Miami Dolphins. Beckham's waiving by Miami on a Friday marks another chapter in a career that has been anything but static in recent years.
A Rocky Start to 2024
Beckham, who is 32 years old, began the 2024 NFL season on the physically unable to perform list, a remnant of the wear and tear on a body that has faced considerable hardship over his storied career. Activated by the Dolphins on October 5, Beckham was put into action for a scant 33 snaps in his first three games, not catching a single pass in those appearances. The statistics for the season paint a stark picture of Beckham's struggles: nine receptions amounting to 55 yards with no touchdowns on the board.
There are financial considerations at play as well. Despite the lack of production, Beckham is still owed approximately $200,000 for the remaining duration of the season. This is part of a one-year, $3 million contract he signed with Miami in May, a deal many thought could rejuvenate a career that has been dotted with moments of brilliance yet marred by inconsistency and injuries.
A Career of Twists and Turns
Beckham's journey through the NFL has seen him become something of a nomad, with his tenure at his last three teams lasting no more than a season. His career has been punctuated by notable highlights, particularly his contribution to the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory. Initially joining the Rams midway through the 2021 season from the Cleveland Browns, Beckham's impact was immediate and vital until tragedy struck during the Super Bowl, when he tore his ACL and consequently missed the entirety of the 2022 season.
Prior to his short-lived Miami chapter, Beckham was with the Baltimore Ravens under a high-profile one-year, $18 million contract signed in 2023, though he was released in March without extending his stay into a second season. Despite these interludes at various franchises, Beckham’s career statistics are formidable: 575 receptions for 7,987 yards and 59 touchdowns out of 119 games, including 97 as a starter. Such numbers affirm the talent that Beckam is still perceived to possess.
Potential Landing Spots
With Beckham now a free agent, speculations are rife about his next destination. The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly contemplating a reunion with Beckham as they deal with Diontae Johnson's team-issued suspension and a broader lack of impactful plays from their receiver roster. Beckham had a decent tenure with them previously, considering his 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns during his stay.
The Los Angeles Rams are also at the forefront of the speculation, keen to rekindle a rapport with Beckham after their 2021 success. His expertise would be a welcome addition to a team aspiring for postseason success once again.
On the other side of the fence, the Pittsburgh Steelers are another team with potential interest, driven by injuries like George Pickens' hamstring strain and other positional needs within their ranks. The Steelers have not been passive in addressing their wide-receiver core over the past year, and Beckham could offer a stopgap or potentially more, should he regain form.
Interestingly, the Kansas City Chiefs, another team with receiver needs, opted to address the situation differently, recently trading for DeAndre Hopkins, thus taking them out of the immediate picture for Beckham's services.
As the NFL season progresses, the fate of Odell Beckham Jr. remains shrouded in uncertainty, but one thing is sure: teams in need of an injection of experience and capability will undoubtedly be weighing the benefits of adding the enigmatic receiver to their rosters. The coming weeks will reveal whether this seasoned receiver can find a new home and, perhaps, rejuvenate what has undoubtedly been a rollercoaster of a career.