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Marcel Louis-Jacques, ESPN
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on Friday, ending the veteran’s tenure with the team four weeks before the end of the regular season.
The release was mutual, a source confirmed.
Beckham missed both practices this week for what were described as “personal reasons.”
Beckham signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Dolphins in May worth up to $8.25 million with incentives. However, he underwent knee surgery early in the offseason and began the season on the physically unable to play list. The Dolphins were aware that Beckham probably wouldn’t be ready for the start of the season when they agreed to the deal.
He made his practice debut in the first week of October and played his first game against the New England Patriots in Week 5. In nine games this season, Beckham finished with nine catches for 55 yards.
After signing with Miami to presumably be the third receiving option behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Beckham never assumed the role as tight end Jonnu Smith emerged as the team’s third option.
The signing is a microcosm of a season of unfulfilled expectations for the Dolphins. The team went 2-6 to start the season, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed four games with a concussion. Miami has won four of its last five games entering its Week 15 game against the Houston Texans but, at 6-7, will likely need outside help to reach a third straight postseason run.
