After seeing the rest of the AFC East make key offensive additions in both free agency and the NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins are on the verge of completing an intriguing move of their own. They are expected to sign wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year contract worth $8.25 million, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection, who played for the Baltimore Ravens last season, says he is taking less money specifically so he can join this team. Quarterback and reigning passing yards leader Tua Tagovailoa now has another potential weapon to utilize, with Beckham set to line up alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
The Super Bowl 56 champion should have a solid opportunity to produce for the Dolphins, as he once again attempts to find success on a prove-it deal. One has to wonder, though, how much time the 31-year-old has left in the league after all the injuries he has suffered in his career. If this is Beckham's final act, South Beach is not a bad place to have his last NFL ride.
Of course, that is all speculation. The 2025 offseason is of no importance at this moment. Miami clearly believes it can use some depth in its WR room. The team has been lacking a true No. 3 option in the passing game, so general manager Chris Grier is hoping to fill that void with a flier.
Trusting a former star who proved to be an X-factor for the Los Angeles Rams not too long ago is a reasonable gamble to make, especially considering the price of this deal. Just like in LA and Baltimore, Odell Beckham Jr. is coming to the Dolphins with championship aspirations.
But can they finally live up to the hype?
Dolphins desperate to get over the hump in 2024-25 season
Miami head coach Mike McDaniel has done an excellent job at reinventing the offense and maximizing Tagovailoa's talents. Most importantly, he led the franchise to consecutive postseason appearances for the first time in over 20 years. The Dolphins are close to becoming a consistent fixture in the AFC playoff picture, and that is something to be appreciated.
But not celebrated, because they are also in danger of succumbing to stagnancy. With their QB set to enter the final year of his rookie contract, the Fins must make definitive progress next season. To put it plainly, they have to win a postseason game.
Although Odell Beckham Jr. has an uneven playoff track record, he has the credentials and experience to be a valuable contributor under the right conditions. And ideally, the Dolphins' offense should afford him favorable conditions to succeed.
Beckham recorded 565 receiving yards on an impressive 16.1 yards per catch to go with three touchdowns for the Ravens last season. The presence of speedsters Hill and Waddle could limit his big-play chances, but there will also probably be less defensive focus on him. He can benefit immensely by going undetected on occasion.
While it obviously remains to be seen how this experiment works, the organization is at least actively trying to upgrade the roster. There should be a powerful sense of urgency permeating Hard Rock Stadium in what will be a highly scrutinized season of Dolphins football.
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