Odell Beckham Jr. officially bolts Ravens for rich payday with Dolphins

The Baltimore Ravens went into the offseason fully aware of the fact they were not going to retain wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency, as the Ravens signed him to a very expensive one-year deal with the expectation he would elevate a fairly poor wide receiver room in the postseason.

Beckham made a handful of big plays with Baltimore, but the Ravens likely expected more from a player with his pedigree. Even after a down year, Beckham's electric style of play has attracted attention from contenders across the league. One in South Beach caught his eye.

The Miami Dolphins may have the best 1-2 punch at wide receiver in the league between Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but their depth outside of those two is lacking. The former Ravens starter has been linked to Miami for some time, and the most has just become official.

Beckham inked a one-year contract with $3 million with the Dolphins. If he hits his incentives, the contract could be as expensive as $8.25 million. Miami seems to have a much higher opinion of what Beckham has left in the tank than Baltimore did after an iffy 2023 season.

Odell Beckham Jr. leaves Baltimore Ravens, signs with Dolphins

Beckham recorded 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns last season. Considering the snaps he got with Baltimore's new-look passing offense, it's not unreasonable to have expected more. As it stands, Beckham hasn't had a 1,000-yard season since his days with the Browns back in 2019.

Beckham was replaced quite quickly in Baltimore. Not only did they commit to Rashod Bateman and sign Nelson Agholor to a one-year contract, but GM Eric DeCosta used a fourth-round pick to select North Carolina deep threat Devontez Walker. The Ravens managed to get younger and cheaper at the position by sending Beckham away.

While Beckham is still good for a few spectacular catches every now and again thanks to his raw talent, his injuries and age have largely prevented him from changing the game like he did in his halcyon days with the Giants. At least Beckham seems to have enough self-awareness to realize that his days as a premier receiver are over.

Beckham is a limited player, but one of the game's best passing offenses in Miami just got even deadlier now that he is in the fold. The Ravens need to take notice of yet another contender sprouting up in the AFC.