Odell Beckham might be the biggest name remaining on the free agent market. While the wide receiver has lost a step and isn’t the same playmaking force as he was at his peak, the former first-round pick can still be a reliable option in the passing game. After a slow start to the season, the former first-round pick came alive down the stretch and finished with 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns.
Even though the Ravens still need a receiver, Odell Beckham will not be returning as a free agent. The three-time Pro Bowler already said his goodbyes to the franchise, as it appears his asking price will exceed what Baltimore is capable of paying. Seeing as they already handed out a massive deal to Justin Madubuike and need to replace three starters on the offensive line, the Ravens don’t have the financial liberty to outbid anyone for Beckham’s services.
While Odell Beckham is not going to receive a massive deal, the wideout is reportedly generating quite a bit of interest as a free agent. According to Bleacher Report‘s Jordan Schultz, Beckham has “several” suitors and is already scheduled to visit with the Miami Dolphins.
Odell Beckham Jr. has several potential suitors. He’s healthy too, which is crucial. @flasportsbuzz reported earlier as well that the #Dolphins had interest in OBJ. https://t.co/FEQg0FXxda pic.twitter.com/APwVAAb4Mv
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 21, 2024
Odell Beckham Has “Several” Suitors, Will Begin Free Agent Visits
It’s interesting to see that the Miami Dolphins are heavily pursuing Odell Beckham as a free agent. Miami has arguably the best wide receiver duo in the league in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and they recently re-signed Braxton Berrios to be a depth option.
Beckham is not as good as Hill or Waddle, but the present-day version of the former Pro Bowler is still better than Berrios. If the Dolphins sign Odell Beckham as a free agent, he should be able to take advantage of all the underneath space provided by Hill and Waddle’s speed. You need weapons if you want to go blow-for-blow with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC East, and Beckham will help Miami climb to the top of a crowded AFC.
Of course, Miami is just one team, and Schultz reported that several franchises are interested in bringing in Odell Beckham as a free agent. While we do not officially know which teams want to sign the former first-round pick, the following five organizations make the most sense.
Other Team Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need a wide receiver in the worst way. Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but no player in the league is capable of throwing and catching the ball themselves. Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer are the most underwhelming receiver duo in football, and it’s not particularly close. If signed as a free agent, Odell Beckham would immediately be the best receiver on this team and should be peppered with targets.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are going to draft one of the elite wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, they could still use an established veteran to be the third option in the passing attack veteran said rookie and star tight end Trey McBride. Odell Beckham is perfect for this job, as the free agent essentially played this exact role during his time with the Ravens.
New York Jets
After signing Mike Williams, the New York Jets are no longer desperate for a wide receiver. However, this team could still use a third option in the passing attack, as nobody within the organization seems to believe in Allen Lazard. Odell Beckham would be an interesting free agent addition, as the pass catcher’s experience in the NFL should make him an immediate fit with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson is no longer the fringe MVP candidate he was during his days with the Seattle Seahawks. However, the 2023 season proved he can still be a decent enough starter if surrounded by the proper weapons. George Pickens looks like the real deal, but this team could use another free agent like Odell Beckham. With Diontae Johnson in Carolina, somebody will need to step up as the second or third option in this passing attack.
New Orleans Saints
Chris Olave can do a little bit of everything, and Rashid Shaheed is a reliable deep threat. When combined with an average quarterback in Derek Carr, these two are good enough to create a league-average offense. Unfortunately, that’s not going to be enough to get the Saints back to the playoffs. Odell Beckham has a skillset that will perfectly complement these two, and they should have enough cap space to come to terms on a contract.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
