Christmas has come early for the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the playoffs approach, the excitement around the team is palpable, and rightfully so. With a noticeable shift in momentum compared to 2023, the Eagles are now ranked No. 3 in Super Bowl odds (+550) by FanDuel Sportsbook, making them one of the top contenders this postseason.
However, despite their strong position, there remains a clear vulnerability. Even with the team’s success, the wide receiver group still stands as a potential liability. DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown form one of the league’s most dynamic duos, but if either were to suffer an injury or off day, relying on backups like Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson could prove detrimental, especially in a playoff run.
This is where Odell Beckham Jr. comes in.
Odell Beckham Jr. Could Be the Answer to Eagles’ WR Dilemma
It’s easy to dismiss Beckham, especially after his breakout seasons with division rivals and his fluctuating reputation. But the truth is, Beckham has become undervalued and overlooked across the league.
Looking back at 2023, Beckham was the most efficient wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, posting impressive yards per target numbers, and ranking among the top 30 receivers in the league according to Pro Football Focus.
Did Beckham fall off in 2024? The lack of opportunity in Miami makes it difficult to gauge. With nearly 90% of the Dolphins’ passing targets going to their top two wideouts or backs and tight ends, Beckham hasn’t had much chance to prove himself. However, it’s important to note that this target distribution is a system-wide choice and not a reflection of Beckham’s performance, as it closely mirrors Miami’s passing game from the previous year.
While there’s always the possibility that Beckham could bring drama to a locker room, the Eagles are known for having one of the strongest cultures in the NFL. Even amidst headlines surrounding wide receiver drama, it hasn’t hindered their on-field play. The boost Beckham could provide to the offense likely outweighs the potential for off-field distractions, especially if the team’s playoff window is in play.
Moreover, Beckham is likely to sign with a contender, and the Eagles are in direct competition with other teams for his services. The only two teams with higher Super Bowl odds than the Eagles— the Lions (+280) and Chiefs (+500)— are also in need of receiver help and could very well pursue Beckham.
If the Eagles fail to add Beckham, they wouldn’t just be passing on a chance to address a position of need, but they could also allow their top competitors to improve their own wide receiver corps, potentially putting the Eagles at a disadvantage in the playoff race.
