Plenty of aspiring NFL playoff contenders with receiving needs will be making note of the name that just hit the free agent market: Odell Beckham, Jr.
The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro was released by the Miami Dolphins on Friday. However, that doesn't mean others should be lining up to sign him.
The Washington Commanders (8-5) are one of those WR-needy teams, especially after losing Noah Brown to a potentially season-ending kidney injury this week. Brown had been Washington's starter opposite Terry McLaurin this season, and had caught 35 passes for 453 yards and a touchdown -- a memorable one, at that.
Washington also already filled Brown's hole by signing K.J. Osborn, who was released by the New England Patriots days ago. Osborn struggled in New England, but had been productive for the Minnesota Vikings for the three prior seasons, so his signing can be justified by the logic that he simply was not a good fit with the Patriots.
Beckham, on the other hand, is far more name than player at this stage of his career. There's a reason he has been on four NFL teams in the past four seasons, and it's because he is a shell of his All-Pro self. He has eclipsed 40 receiving yards per game one time since 2019, and this season he'd caught nine passes all year long with the Dolphins.
Any team considering signing Beckham must realize that they are not signing the superstar who once dazzled the league with one-handed circus catches and was on pace to break all-time records. They are signing an injury-riddled 32-year-old who only remains on the NFL radar because of his past reputation.
Washington would be wise to stick with Osborn as the short-term solution to its WR depth issue, and perhaps bring in another, cheaper option if necessary. Chasing after the headliner who would likely lack in production on the field is not the answer.
