Odell Beckham Jr. has made his entrance and exit.
The Miami Dolphins have officially released wide receiver Beckham Jr., concluding his time with the team four weeks before the conclusion of the regular season.
The decision to part ways was mutual, as noted in the Dolphins’ statement.
Beckham was unable to participate in both practices this week due to what has been characterized as “personal reasons.
“Conversations led us to determining that it was the best for both parties. I think we’ve been – Odell (Beckham Jr.) and I have been very communicative since he’s been here,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said. “He had a tough start in terms of having to rehab his way into the season and then just looking at it as simple as, all right, what’s the best for both him and the team moving forward? And we just thought it was a good time to go that direction. That was the motivation behind it. That’s all.”
Beckham Jr. has participated in nine games during the current season, recording a total of nine receptions for 55 yards. Over the course of his career, he has played in 119 games, with 97 of those as a starter, spanning ten seasons across five teams: the New York Giants (2014-2018), Cleveland Browns (2019-2021), Los Angeles Rams (2021), Baltimore Ravens (2023), and Miami Dolphins (2024). He has achieved a total of 575 receptions for 7,987 yards, averaging 13.9 yards per reception, along with 59 touchdowns, and has been honored with three Pro Bowl nominations. In addition, Beckham Jr. has participated in seven playoff games, starting in six, with a total of 29 receptions for 350 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per reception, and two touchdown scores. He entered the NFL as the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New York Giants and played collegiate football at Louisiana State University (LSU).
The Dolphins make me cry, Odell Beckham Jr. has announced that he will be joining the Miami Dolphins
Beckham Jr. signed a one-year contract valued at $3 million with the Dolphins in May, which could reach a total of $8.25 million through performance-based incentives. However, he underwent knee surgery earlier in the offseason and began the season on the list of physically unable to perform. The Dolphins were informed that Beckham would likely not be prepared for the start of the season at the time they negotiated the agreement.
“He’s a professional that has diligently chopped wood and I know his expectations, and so when you communicate transparently, I can kind of know where he’s at,” McDaniel added. “Normal communication that just kind of led us that direction for the best for both parties.”
Beckham Jr. made his practice debut during the first week of October and participated in his first game against the New England Patriots in Week 5. Over the course of nine games this season, Beckham recorded nine receptions for a total of 55 yards.
After signing with Miami to likely serve as the third receiving option behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Beckham ultimately did not assume that role, as wide receiver Malik Washington and tight end Jonnu Smith emerged as the team’s third options.
The team began the season with a record of 2-6, while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined for four games due to a concussion.
Beckham Jr. did not participate in workouts in Miami as he missed all of the OTAs and training camp due to injury when he was signed. Once he returned to good health, Tagovailoa was injured, which hindered their ability to establish chemistry. Additionally, the Dolphins’ offensive strategy relied more on the running game during his healthy period, further limiting his integration into the team’s system.
This year, the Dolphins’ offensive strategy primarily revolves around De’Von Achane, with Jonnu Smith playing a significant role, rather than focusing on Jaylen Waddle or Tyreek Hill. As a result, he has become the fifth option in terms of opportunities.
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