The Miami Dolphins made headlines last week by signing free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year contract. The move, while anticipated by many, raised questions about Beckham’s current abilities given his extended free agency period. While some believe Beckham’s prime is behind him, one AFC executive offers a different perspective.
One NFL executive, speaking to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, suggested that Beckham has lost the explosive burst that defined his early career. However, a different AFC executive countered this assessment, arguing that Beckham’s performance decline may be attributed to age and injury history rather than a significant loss of skill.
“I don’t think he’s lost it as much as he’s just older,” the executive stated. “And that’s how the market values older players. He’s not always healthy, which is part of it. But by the end of last year, he looked good, his legs were back.” The executive emphasized the importance of offseason workouts to ensure Beckham returns to top form, highlighting a challenge posed by the late signing timing that restricts the inclusion of workout bonuses in the contract.
The executive drew parallels to Beckham’s situation last year with the Baltimore Ravens. Signing late in the offseason, Beckham needed time to regain game shape. “He signed so late in Baltimore that he had to play himself back into shape,” the executive explained. “And when he did, his burst came back, and he could still do a lot of the typical OBJ things.”
Beckham’s performance in the latter half of the 2023 season supports this argument. In the first six games, he recorded only 14 catches for 162 yards. However, in the final eight games, his production significantly improved with 21 receptions for 403 yards and three touchdowns.
While these numbers don’t match Beckham’s peak performance, his increased explosiveness was evident, averaging an impressive 19.2 yards per catch during the final stretch of the season. This late-season surge suggests that with proper conditioning, Beckham can still be a valuable asset.
In Miami, Beckham will likely slot in as the third receiver behind established stars Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. His willingness to embrace this role and contribute to the team’s success will be crucial.
If Beckham accepts his current reality and focuses on maximizing his contributions, he could significantly enhance the Dolphins’ already potent passing attack. His experience and playmaking ability, even if diminished, could provide valuable depth and a crucial edge in a competitive AFC East.
