The Baltimore Ravens officially designated wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. as a post-June 1 release. Beckham Jr. now reaches the open market and is free to sign with a team of his choosing. Beckham Jr. proved he can still play at a high level throughout his one-year showing with the Ravens.
Beckham Jr. recorded 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season appearances. He showcased big-play ability by averaging a career-high 16.1 yards per catch. The 31-year-old former LSU standout is still stretching opposing defensive backs vertically.
Beckham Jr. should be available on a reasonable short-term contract that is heavily incentivized. A Super Bowl contender should view Beckham as a low-risk, high-reward flier that could pay major dividends in the postseason. That’s exactly what he did for the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams in 2021. With Beckham's release now official, we've identified three potential fits for his services on the open market.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
If Beckham Jr. possesses an interest in signing with a franchise that would offer the best opportunity to win another Super Bowl, the choice is clear. The Chiefs have long been rumored to enter the Beckham Jr. sweepstakes in recent offseasons. The stars may finally align for Beckham Jr. to join the back-to-back Super Bowl-winning Chiefs.
The Chiefs require playmakers at wideout. They cut ties with Marquez Valdes-Scantling earlier this offseason. While the 2024 NFL Draft will offer them a great opportunity to continue the transformation, it's concerning that Rashee Rice and Skyy Moore currently top the depth chart.
Do Brett Veach and Andy Reid want a rookie and a sophomore (Rice) to be the starting receivers in 2024? It's a dangerous proposition, and more experience would be appreciated. Beckham Jr. would address an immediate need.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Patriots are searching the market for a veteran boundary receiver. They reportedly made an aggressive offer to Calvin Ridley, who signed a four-year $92 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. New head coach Jerod Mayo must now pivot to alternative options. Beckham Jr. should be on the shortlist.
The Patriots own the No. 3 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. They're expected to draft a new franchise quarterback, with Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy among the likelier options. The rookie signal caller will need veteran outlets he can rely on. If it's money and opportunity Beckham Jr. is after, the Patriots could make one of the better offers.
DETROIT LIONS
The Lions strike me as a franchise that could emerge as a dark horse suitor for Beckham Jr.'s services. The defending NFC North champions lack great depth behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. Jameson Williams has yet to put a full campaign of production and health together.
Furthermore, Josh Reynolds and Donovan Peoples-Jones are unrestricted free agents and have yet to re-sign. The midseason acquisition of Peoples-Jones tells you that general manager Brad Holmes was searching for additional pass-catching weapons. The Lions are fresh off an NFC Championship Game appearance and have proven, returning assets at quarterback (Jared Goff) and offensive coordinator (Ben Johnson). Beckham Jr. would elevate the offense.
