It appears that Odell Beckham Jr.’s stint with the Baltimore Ravens will be short-lived. The AFC North team is set to part ways with the veteran wide receiver before midnight ET on Wednesday, March 13, as reported by ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Beckham’s release is being executed as a post-June 1 cut due to a restructuring of his contract in January, which allowed the team to utilize this designation.
Barring an unexpected last-minute extension, you'll see the Ravens release Odell Beckham before midnight ET tonight with a post-June 1 designation. Beckham and the Ravens restructured his deal in January, eliminating the void years and allowing the team to use post-June 1 on him.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 13, 2024
The decision is driven not only by financial considerations but also by the desire to avoid a significant hit against this year’s salary cap. If Beckham remained on the roster past March 14, his $50 million salary for 2025 would become fully guaranteed. Despite facing a substantial dead-cap hit, the Ravens are saving themselves from more considerable financial implications had they retained him under his original contract terms.
Beckham’s performance last season did not justify his hefty contract. With just 35 receptions and three touchdowns, he failed to make a significant impact on the field. The emergence of rookie Zay Flowers and the consistent play of veteran Nelson Agholor overshadowed Beckham’s contributions. His expected role as the primary target for quarterback Lamar Jackson never materialized, with Flowers taking the lead in receptions.
If Beckham is on the Ravens' roster March 14 (tomorrow), the $50 million 2025 salary would become fully guaranteed. Obviously, that's not happening. But the post-June 1 cut means Ravens carry $2.767M dead money for Beckham this year and $8.301M dead in 2025.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 13, 2024
Beckham’s lackluster performance extended into the postseason, further solidifying the Ravens’ decision to part ways. While some still believe in Beckham’s potential, particularly considering his past success, doubts linger due to his age and injury history.
Although letting go of Beckham was the right decision, the Ravens recognize the need to bolster their receiving corps. Agholor’s return provides stability, but additional firepower is required, especially on the outside. Options like Oregon’s Troy Franklin in the upcoming NFL draft could fill this void and complement Jackson’s dynamic playing style.
Odell Beckham Jr.'s career so far:
🏈 566 catches
🏈 7,932 yards
🏈 59 TDHe still has more in the tank 💯 pic.twitter.com/fVhBsEwQMv
— NFL on DAZN (@NFLonDAZN) March 9, 2024
By assembling a talented supporting cast around Jackson, including newly acquired All-Pro running back Derrick Henry, the Ravens aim to build an offense that doesn’t miss Beckham’s presence.
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