MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (ESPN) – The Miami Dolphins have officially released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., ending the veteran receiver’s short tenure with the team just weeks before the conclusion of the regular season. The release, which was confirmed as mutual, comes after Beckham missed practice earlier this week due to “personal reasons.”
Beckham, 31, signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Dolphins in May, with the potential to earn up to $8.25 million through incentives. However, after undergoing knee surgery earlier in the offseason, he started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The Dolphins were aware that Beckham might not be ready for the start of the season, but they proceeded with the deal, hoping he would provide a boost to the receiving corps.
The wide receiver made his practice debut in early October and played in his first game in Week 5 against the New England Patriots. However, his impact was minimal. In nine games this season, Beckham recorded just nine catches for 55 yards. Initially expected to be the third option in Miami’s passing game behind star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Beckham never fully assumed that role. Instead, tight end Jonnu Smith emerged as the team’s third target in the passing game.
Beckham’s release adds to the Dolphins’ growing list of unmet expectations this season. After a promising offseason, Miami struggled to a 2-6 start, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing four games due to a concussion. Although the team has since rebounded with four wins in its past five games, the Dolphins still face a challenging path to the playoffs with a 6-7 record. As they prepare for a crucial Week 15 matchup against the Houston Texans, Miami will need help from other teams to secure a third consecutive postseason berth.
Beckham’s departure marks the end of a brief and underwhelming chapter in his career with the Dolphins, and leaves the team searching for consistent production in their receiving corps as they fight for playoff contention.
