MIAMI — Is there one other extensive receiver room within the NFL with extra star energy than the Miami Dolphins’?
A supply informed ESPN on Friday that the workforce has agreed to a one-year cope with extensive receiver Odell Beckham Jr., including him to a place group that already options five-time All-Professional Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who has posted three straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin his NFL profession. The supply stated the deal is value $3 million with incentives that may push its max worth to $8.25 million.
Beckham’s cope with Miami is massively totally different from the one-year, $15 million contract he signed to hitch the Baltimore Ravens final season, however the three-time Professional Bowler represents a much better match on an offense that may throw the ball typically.
What precisely does this transfer imply for Beckham and the Dolphins?
Why did the Dolphins signal him?
Hill and Waddle have been the most efficient extensive receiver tandem within the NFL since becoming a member of forces in 2022, however no extensive receiver behind them has eclipsed 32 catches in both of the previous two seasons. Miami’s reliance on its star duo grew to become obvious late final season, when each Hill and Waddle battled by accidents.
Beckham’s 4,122 yards stay the third most in league historical past in a participant’s first three seasons of their profession, however accidents have slowed down what was on monitor to be a historic NFL profession. He missed your complete 2022 season after tearing his ACL in Tremendous Bowl LVI, and has simply 1,421 mixed receiving yards since 2020.
He will not be the identical caliber participant that he was early in his profession with the New York Giants, however he’s gifted sufficient to function as a 3rd possibility on a workforce loaded with playmakers. If he can keep wholesome, there’s alternative for the taking as defenses focus their consideration on Hill, Waddle, and operating backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane.
How does Beckham slot in Miami?
As a result of the Dolphins have so many choices, the “No. 3 receiver” is extra of an idea than an precise place.
Relying on the matchup, some weeks it might be tight finish Jonnu Smith, or Mostert and Achane out of the backfield. If Beckham can beat out fellow wideouts Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, Erik Ezukanma and rookies Malik Washington and Tahj Washington, he will probably be firmly in that “No. 3 receiver” rotation.
He additionally brings a sure sense of superstar to the Dolphins’ locker room. Nonetheless, so did Hill and Jalen Ramsey — none of whom have induced any locker room disruption up to now.
Does Beckham nonetheless have gasoline within the tank?
Don’t take our phrase for it. Here’s what Beckham needed to say on the matter.
“If there’s something I felt about myself — no matter anyone’s opinion or something like that — is that I do know that I can nonetheless play soccer, and I do know that I nonetheless have [s—] within the tank,” he stated after the Ravens’ 17-10 residence playoff loss to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in late January.
He completed final season with 565 yards and three touchdowns on 35 catches, which isn’t essentially eye-popping contemplating his price ticket in 2023. However that is nonetheless higher manufacturing than what Miami’s receivers supplied final season behind Waddle and Hill. No different Miami pass-catcher had greater than 35 catches or greater than 366 yards for the Dolphins final season (tight finish Durham Smythe).
In response to ESPN Stats & Info, Beckham’s 565 receiving yards have been second most amongst any NFL participant final season who had 35 or fewer receptions. His 27 first downs on 35 catches have been essentially the most of any participant who had 35 or fewer receptions.
Beckham additionally had the eighth-most yards per catch of any receiver final season.
What’s the threat?
You noticed the greenback quantity, proper?
If Beckham fails to satisfy expectations, the Dolphins are out $3 million. If he does hit his incentives, Miami nonetheless solely pays out $8.25 million, with the added bonus of the manufacturing he would have dropped at the sphere.
Miami did simply spend two draft picks on extensive receivers final week, and including Beckham to the combination doubtless will stall their taking part in time, if both of them make the 53-man roster. Nonetheless, including a veteran who has achieved each particular person and workforce success within the NFL — he gained a Tremendous Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams following the 2021 season — isn’t a horrible factor if you find yourself attempting to develop younger gamers at their place.
Dolphins GM Chris Grier deserves applause for this deal; it’s about as low-risk, high-reward because it will get.