Now Is Not The Time To Overpay For A Veteran WR In Miami
Dec 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) reacts against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins have been scouring through the free agent market at wide receiver as of late. Last week they brought in three time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr. for a visit, and reportedly made him an offer according to head coach Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins also hosted veteran Tyler Boyd, who has several interested suitors including the Chiefs, Chargers, Lions, and 49ers.
While there’s no guarantee that Miami lands either of these players, it’s clear that the Dolphins are willing to spend more money for higher quality depth at wide receiver. This approach is a far cry from the last couple of offseasons where the Dolphins took chances on guys like Chosen Anderson and Chase Claypool, both of whom are talented wide receivers who can’t seem to get out of their own way.
Miami’s need for a reliable third option at wide receiver is undeniable. The Dolphins passing attack has been over-reliant on Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and they need someone who can handle a larger workload in case either of those two get dinged up. However, the Dolphins would be better off in the long run if they addressed this need in the draft rather than overpaying for an aging veteran.
What I’m about to say may feel like a cliche at this point given the sheer amount of young talented receivers who have entered the league over the past couple of seasons, but it must be said. The 2024 wide receiver class is one of the strongest in recent memory. Sure, you have guys like Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, and Marvin Harrison Jr. who are all projected to be top 10 picks; but this is also an incredibly deep receiver class as well.
Players like Ladd McConkey, Roman Wilson, Ricky Pearsall, and Ja’Lynn Polk could be available in the second round at 55 overall if the Dolphins want to use their second round pick on a wide receiver. None of those guys are likely to be superstars, but all of them are good enough to make an immediate impact. They’re comparable to Tank Dell and Josh Downs, both of whom were drafted on Day 2 — and later than the 55th pick, mind you!
There are also some intriguing prospects who are projected to go in the third round like Jermaine Burton, Xavier Weaver, Brenden Rice, and Luke McCaffrey. Those last two guys come from NFL royalty, both of whom happen to be Niners legends. Brenden is the son of the greatest wide receiver of all-time in Jerry Rice, while Luke is the younger brother of star running back Christian McCaffrey.
While the Dolphins don’t currently have a third round pick, it’s very plausible that they trade down from 55 overall to try and fill out the rest of the roster. Especially since the wide receiver talent really starts to drop off by the fourth round. Trading down would allow the Dolphins to build up the trenches earlier in the draft while still landing a capable wide receiver on Day 2 who can compete with Braxton Berrios at slot receiver.
If the Dolphins are able to sign Tyler Boyd or Odell Beckham Jr. to a reasonable deal, they should absolutely do so. With that being said, free agency is all about who wins the bidding war and Miami is in no position to spend irresponsibly. While it would be nice to have Boyd or Beckham Jr. on the roster, the Dolphins would be wise to add pieces who can help the team both in the short-term and long-term future.
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