Three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr had the chance to rediscover his lost flair in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. Beckham, who signed an incentive-driven $3M deal in the summer, was always going to be the third-choice receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But after a return of just 55 receiving yards and no touchdown, his tenure in Miami has come to an end.
After coming back from the PUP list in October, Beckham didn’t manage to catch a single pass in his first three games. Although he played just 33 snaps within that span, Beckham never really got going in Miami. OBJ recorded just nine catches on 18 targets for only 55 yards. And those aren’t really the numbers the Dolphins were hoping for.
The lack of productivity from Beckham Jr may have stemmed from knee surgery he underwent in the offseason, which delayed his debut till Week 5 after being on the physically unable-to-perform list. Beckham missed both practices this week for what was described as “personal reasons,” and now it emerged that Miami and Beckham Jr have parted ways with four regular season games to go.
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Moments after the news was confirmed, his fellow receiver Tyreek Hill tweeted some advice that may have been directed at him. Taking to his X, Cheetah posted, “Take advantage of your opportunity.” As for the 32-year-old, his chapter in Miami has come to an unceremonial end. The way he delivered his introductory press conference after joining the Phins now looks like a distant memory.
Take advantage of your opportunity
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) December 13, 2024
Beckham Jr.’s first words were, “I’m always here to prove something. I think to me, it’s about finishing strong, being able to to end my career on my terms. If this is my last season, it’s whatever. But it’s just about being able to end on a strong note, to be able to put my best foot forward.”
Being the No. 3 wide receiver and at best No. 5 option in the offense means his chances have been limited and he couldn’t impress in whatever limited time he got. Just take a look at his final game against the Jets. The former Super Bowl Champion was targeted only once while playing just 10 offensive snaps.
This latest blow adds to the ongoing struggles for Beckham Jr since his last 1,000-yard season in 2020. He has failed to reach 600 yards in any season since while dealing with injuries.
Although it didn’t end well for Odell Beckham Jr. in Miami he could receive more opportunities elsewhere. There is some speculation around teams that could vie for OBJ’s signature mid-season.
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Odell Beckham Jr. shared a hopeful tweet before Dolphins departure
Before Tom Pelissero dropped the news that the Dolphins were releasing Odell Beckham Jr on Thursday. The 32-year-old already knew what was coming after missing two practices before the Phins take on the Texans in week 15. Taking to his Instagram OBJ posted a cryptic story that read, “One thing bout me no matter what…ima always land on my feet. God got me beluhdatt (with fingers crossed emote).” Beckham surely had the talent, but looks far from the player who landed him a Super Bowl with the Rams.
However, in the past four seasons, OBJ’s numbers have taken a nose-dive. He only has 88 receptions for 1,157 yards with just 8 TDs in 37 games. After missing out on the entire 2022 season because of a knee injury, OBJ’s future could be clouded by uncertainty. But there’s still some hope left for him.
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If he manages to clear the waivers on Monday, any team could sign him up for free. If any team intends to make a move early, it would cost them around only $200,000 As per Tom Pelissero, his former clubs, the Rams and Ravens, are already thinking about adding him to their ranks.
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