Odell Beckham Jr. released: Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel explains reasoning for parting of ways

The Miami Dolphins (6-7) and Odell Beckham Jr. mutually agreed to part ways on Friday, bringing the receiver’s tenure in Miami to an end after just nine games.

Head coach Mike McDaniel explained the decision to release Beckham, calling it “best for both him and the team moving forward.

“It’s as simple as, what’s the best for both him and the team moving forward. We thought it was a good time to go that direction,” McDaniel said, via Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. “I know his expectations. When you communicate transparently, I know where he’s at.

“This is the best for both parties.”

Odell Beckham Jr. seeking opportunity elsewhere after release from Dolphins

Beckham, 32, signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.25 million with the Dolphins this past offseason, with the idea being he would serve as a veteran complement to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the passing game. He began the season on the reserve/PUP list, sidelined after undergoing knee surgery during the offseason.

Beckham made his team debut in Week 5 against the New England Patriots (3-10). In nine games in Miami, Beckham hauled in just nine receptions for 55 yards. Beckham was on the field for less than 32% of the offensive snaps in each game with the Dolphins. Jonnu Smith asserted himself as the top option behind the aforementioned duo with 61 catches for 692 yards.

Beckham is just one year removed from a productive campaign with the Baltimore Ravens (8-5), in which he caught 35 passes for 565 yards and three scores. Injuries have limited him dating back to the 2020 season but in his prime, Beckham was one of the league’s best and most exciting wideouts.

He recorded four 1,000-yard seasons during his time with the New York Giants (2-11) from 2014-18 and tallied another with the Cleveland Browns (3-10) in 2019. Beckham won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams (8-6) in 2021.