Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. signing with the Washington Football Team makes sense for a Washington offense that is struggling. Beckham Jr. is set to be waived by the Cleveland Browns on Monday. Suppose Beckham Jr. is not claimed by the teams ahead of Washington in the waiver order (Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, New York Giants). In that case, it only makes sense for Washington to acquire the former three-time Pro Bowler.
According to multiple reports, Washington is not one of the teams Beckham Jr. is looking to join. However, let’s explore why signing Beckham Jr. would be a good move for Washington.
Odell Beckham Jr. Should Join Washington Football Team
Terry McLaurin Needs Help
Washington third-year wide receiver Terry McLaurin has established himself as the team’s number one receiver. McLaurin leads the team in targets (76), receptions (43), receiving yards (573), and receiving touchdowns (4). The player who ranks second on the team is running back, J.D. McKissic. McKissic has 42 targets, 33 receptions, and 332 receiving yards this season. Wide receivers Adam Humphries and Dyami Brown have fewer combined targets (49), receptions (28), and receiving yards (301) than McLaurin.
Most expected Curtis Samuel and McLaurin to form a dynamic duo in Washington. However, Samuel has seen limited action as he continues to recover from a groin injury. Washington needs a consistent option at wide receiver alongside McLaurin to make defenses honest. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke also needs another option on the outside to ignite a Washington offense that has scored 20 points total in their last two games.
Odell Beckham Jr. Can Make a Difference
When healthy, Beckham Jr. is one of the most dynamic receivers in the NFL. Beckham Jr. has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in five out of seven seasons despite missing time for injuries. Over his career, Beckham Jr. is a first down waiting to happen, averaging 14 yards per reception. In Beckham Jr’s last season with the Giants, he accounted for 50 receiving first downs. In his first season with the Browns, Beckham Jr. accounted for 44 receiving first downs. Beckham Jr. also ranks fourth among active players in receiving yards per game with 80.3.
The Washington offense needs a difference-maker that can take some of the pressure off of McLaurin and be a consistent receiving option. While there has been concern about Heinicke’s accuracy, a wide receiver like Beckham can go and get a pass outside of the catch radius of most receivers. After a tumultuous tenure with the Browns, a motivated Beckham Jr. can be that difference-maker for the Washington offense.
Building a Winning Roster
If Washington wants to continue to build the foundation for a winning franchise, adding veteran players is necessary to complement and develop their young talent. A wide receiver with Beckham’s on-field resume should be considered, especially with the current struggles of the Washington offense. Regardless of what Washington ultimately decides to do at the quarterback position, a receiver of Beckham Jr.’s caliber can make any quarterback look good just by throwing the ball in his direction. Beckham Jr. will be looking to prove his doubters, critics, and especially the Browns wrong. Washington can help their roster now and in the future by adding a healthy and motivated Beckham Jr.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
