The Dolphins first showed interest in Odell Beckham Jr. following the initial wave of free agency in March. They secured a one-year, incentive-laden contract with the 31-year-old receiver shortly after the 2024 draft concluded.
Though the Jets were rumored to be interested in the three-time Pro Bowler, Beckham ultimately had only one serious suitor. This is evident from his $3 million base salary with Miami, significantly lower than the $15 million guaranteed he received from the Ravens in 2023. That higher payout was influenced by the Ravens’ negotiations with quarterback Lamar Jackson at the time.
Beckham’s deal with Miami indicates that, despite staying relatively healthy during his season with Baltimore, he is now seen as a complementary player rather than a primary offensive weapon. Beckham is comfortable with this role adjustment. “At this place in my life and career, I haven’t been the No. 1 (WR) in a minute,” he said at his introductory press conference.
While Beckham naturally takes a backseat to Miami’s standout receivers, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, it’s noteworthy that a player once considered a future Hall of Famer has accepted his new status. Last season, Beckham caught 35 passes for 565 yards, a significant drop from his prime years with the Giants and even his early days with the Browns. However, his 16.1 yards-per-reception rate with the Ravens was a career-best, showing he still has high-end ability.
In Miami, even matching his Baltimore numbers should enhance the Dolphins’ offense, which led the league in total offense and ranked second in points scored last year. Despite Cedrick Wilson Jr., the Dolphins’ nominal No. 3 wideout in 2023, recording just 296 yards, Beckham, along with new additions Malik Washington and Tahj Washington, are expected to bolster the unit.
Among receivers with 40 to 74 targets in 2023, Beckham ranked 10th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per target and third in EPA per reception, indicating his potential to effectively complement Hill and Waddle.
Reflecting on his new role and sense of peace, Beckham said, “It’s amazing. It gives you a huge sense of peace. I feel like I used to carry a lot of anger or resentment… Now I just feel at peace. You’re able to train, you’re able to play the game that you love again… A part of me feels like this is an opportunity for it to just be football.”
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