Commanders must avoid Odell Beckham Jr. temptation after shock release

The Washington Commanders were dealt a blow to their playoff hopes with an unfortunate injury to veteran wide receiver Noah Brown. However, they should avoid a new temptation that recently became available for hire.

With the Miami Dolphins all but out of playoff contention and his involvement limited, the team and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. went their separate ways on Friday. The once-prolific performer will be on waivers until Monday, so any willing suitor has the weekend to determine whether he'd be worth bringing into the fold.

That should not be the Commanders.

Beckham's best days are long gone. He's dealt with severe injury issues over the last several seasons and lost the game-changing explosiveness that made him among the league's most recognizable faces once upon a time. Not catching on with an offensive guru like Mike McDaniel in Miami is another red flag.

Odell Beckham Jr. isn't a good fit for the Commanders

The former LSU standout has just 18 receptions from nine games this season — nine of which he's brought in for 55 receiving yards and three first downs. Beckham featured in just 20 percent of Miami's offensive snaps during his brief stint with the organization and now gets the chance to catch on elsewhere.

Washington losing Brown for several weeks and potentially the season with a serious internal issue sustained against the Tennessee Titans isn't ideal. It piles more pressure on Pro Bowl pass-catcher Terry McLaurin and demands more from those who've been involved sparingly until now. Acquiring K.J. Osborn off waivers could help, but there's just no telling for sure.

Beckham is experienced and can produce when given the chance. This wasn't a good fit for whatever reason, but it would be a surprise if he didn't find alternative employment with a wide receiver-needy team looking to cement their postseason chances.

The Commanders will probably discuss the possibility for due diligence purposes if nothing else. It would be a bombshell of epic proportions if things went further than that.

This is not the same Beckham that went toe-to-toe with former Washington cornerback Josh Norman at the peak of his powers. He's 32 years old and hasn't gone over 500 receiving yards since 2021. He's gone from an elite weapon to a journeyman clinging on to what he once was.

Beckham is not the sort of signing general manager Adam Peters has leaned towards since taking the job. The new front office leader steered away from big names during his first offseason in favor of familiarity and how specific players fit the schemes implemented.

Aside from the big splash to acquire Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore via trade from the New Orleans Saints, it's been a methodical approach. Going after Beckham — someone who could do more harm than good if he doesn't buy into the culture — isn't a risk worth taking with the playoffs in sight.

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