JUST IN: Chiefs DT Chris Jones Supports KC Signing $98 Million WR & Former All-Pro
Robert Griffin III, a former NFL quarterback turned ESPN analyst, took to social media to advocate for the Kansas City Chiefs to recruit Odell Beckham Jr., a pending free agent wide receiver. Griffin highlighted Beckham’s dynamic performance in the previous season, where he ranked eighth in the NFL with an average of 16.1 yards per catch. Additionally, Griffin pointed out Beckham’s impressive drop rate, which was the lowest of his career at 1.6% with just one drop on 64 targets. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones echoed support for Griffin’s message by reposting it.
What to Know About Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr., a seasoned 31-year-old NFL veteran who has amassed $98 million throughout his career, spent the 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens. While serving as a complementary component in Baltimore’s offense, Beckham played in 14 regular-season games, where he ranked second on the team in receiving yards with 565, fourth in receptions with 35, and fifth in receiving touchdowns with 3, as reported by ESPN.
Although the Kansas City Chiefs have previously shown interest in Beckham, his age and shift in role within the NFL make him less suitable as the alpha receiver the Chiefs currently require. Consequently, it seems unlikely that a partnership between Beckham and the Chiefs will materialize.
Currently, quarterback Patrick Mahomes primarily targets tight end Travis Kelce and receiver Rashee Rice for the upcoming 2024 season. While Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore have demonstrated their value as complementary pieces, they are not dependable week in and week out, but rather situational depending on game plans or matchups.
Thus, the Chiefs are in need of adding another pass catcher to enhance the explosiveness of their offense, which was somewhat lacking during the majority of the 2023 season.
Fortunately, Kansas City has various options to explore this offseason, whether through free agency, the draft, or trades. Some notable free agents at receiver include Mike Evans, Michael Pittman Jr., Tee Higgins, Marquise Brown, Calvin Ridley, and Curtis Samuel.
Moreover, the 2024 draft class boasts depth at the wide receiver position, providing the Chiefs with the opportunity to select one towards the end of the first round should they opt to go in that direction.
Responses to Griffin’s post regarding Beckham potentially joining the Chiefs varied among users on social media platform X.
One user expressed concern about the potential cost of acquiring Beckham and suggested that if the Tennessee Titans were to release DeAndre Hopkins, he would be a preferable option to complement Kelce, Rice, and Mahomes.
Another user dismissed the idea altogether, suggesting that the Chiefs wouldn’t sign a 31-year-old receiver, especially before the playoffs. They humorously implied that even if Beckham were to sign for the veteran minimum, it would only be acceptable if he brought his own wheelchair.
A different user criticized Beckham’s performance with the Ravens, suggesting he didn’t justify his hefty salary and questioning his fit within Andy Reid’s offensive system. They argued that wide receivers often struggle in their first year under Reid, making it a potentially wasteful expenditure.
Devon Clements, who covers the Kansas City Chiefs for Heavy.com, is a journalist with a background in NFL coverage since 2017. His previous work includes contributions to USA Today’s Sports Media Group and Sports Illustrated.