Odell Beckham Jr. reportedly remains linked to the Miami Dolphins, and it looks like it will stay that way until the veteran wide receiver makes his decision on where to sign as a free agent.
“Odell Beckham met with the Miami Dolphins this past week and I was told the Dolphins are definitely interested,” ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler said. “It’s probably going to be at a price point that they’re going to have to figure out. So, they’re not willing to overspend at this point. They don’t have a lot of cash. They got Tyreek Hill, they got Jaylen Waddle, but they want to pair those two with a veteran receiver. So, some mutual interest.”
The 31-year-old played this past season for the Baltimore Ravens, who released him earlier this offseason. He made 35 receptions for 565 receiving yards with three touchdown catches while appearing in 14 regular season games.
The Dolphins reportedly had a positive meeting with Beckham to perhaps get a step closer to bringing him aboard. But as is usually the case, it reportedly may come down to money. In the meantime, he seems to be exploring what’s out there.
Door open for him if he takes money Miami has in mind. Could take weeks as he explores what's out there
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) March 23, 2024
Despite starting the offseason with some serious salary cap concerns, the Dolphins have been active so far. On offense in the receiving game alone, they are adding tight ends Jonnu Smith and Jody Fortson and bringing back wide receiver Braxton Berrios.
Along the offensive line, they are bringing aboard Aaron Brewer, retaining Robert Jones and may remain interested in keeping Connor Williams.
Miami also reportedly has been linked to former New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas, another veteran wide receiver like Beckham who may be available at a discount with his much better days now behind him.
Once considered one of the best receivers in the league, Beckham has not made more than 44 receptions in any season since the 2019 campaign, which includes him missing the entire 2022 season while recovering from a knee injury he suffered in the previous Super Bowl. When healthy, he was able to post five 1,000-yard seasons early in his NFL career.
Miami’s passing game features standouts Hill and Waddle. Hill is one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, and Waddle is eligible for what could be a lucrative contract extension or fifth-year option. The duo combined for 191 catches this past season, but Miami’s next two wide receivers, Berrios and Cedrick Wilson Jr., had just 49 receptions combined.
So, finding a more productive third option remains on the Dolphins’ to-do list, and Beckham looks like he could become the answer if he so chooses.
