Breaking: Commanders Closing In On Deal To Sign $9.9 Million Pro Bowl WR As Free Agent
The Washington Commanders selected Jayden Daniels as the second overall choice in the NFL draft. In the third round, the Commanders added a weapon for Daniels, drafting Luke McCaffrey. The Commanders, who lost Curtis Samuel to the Buffalo Bills in free agency, were designated one of the “best landing spots” for Odell Beckham Jr. by Jack Murray of Bleacher Report. This adds another weapon to pair with Daniels.
“The Washington Commanders just took Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick in the Draft and also snagged Luke McCaffrey in the third-round,” Murray wrote in his April 27 column, investigating landing options for Beckham and Ryan Tannehill. “The franchise is looking to rebound following a 4-13 season, and Beckham might return in that depth role.
“While this would put a damper on Beckham’s contention chances, he could potentially be involved with a franchise taking a step in the right direction.”
Beckham, 31, last played with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.
Commanders Offense Could ‘Use More Help’
When the Washington Commanders drafted Daniels, their goal was to surround him with skill. In addition to McCaffrey, the Commanders picked tight end Ben Sinnot from Kansas State.
According to Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire, the Commanders “got their man” on April 26, but the goal is to surround him with aid.
“The Washington Commanders got their man on Thursday night, selecting LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft,” wrote Manning in an April 26 piece analyzing the Commanders’ potential trade for Brandon Aiyuk. “The goal now is to surround him with plenty of help.”
Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, would give Daniels another talented player. Manning wrote that they could use more help at wide receiver.
“Washington could also use more help at wide receiver. Yes, the Commanders have Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Curtis Samuel is gone,” Manning wrote.
How Odell Beckham Jr. Could Help the Commanders
Beckham had 565 yards and three scores on 35 receptions last season. Beckham returned after missing the whole 2022 season due to an ACL tear, proving that he is still a valuable receiver.
Prior to the 2020 season, the LSU product was regarded as one of the league’s finest receivers, having accumulated more than 1,000 yards in every season in which he appeared in at least 12 games.
The Washington Commanders still have $43.4 million in space, which makes them financially secure. Beckham’s market value is $9.9 million, per Spotrac.
Randy Mueller of The Athletic ranked Beckham as the 37th greatest free agent this offseason. Mueller stated that his “skills and talent are still evident.”
“Opportunities and targets were limited for OBJ this season, but his skills and talent are still evident. He can run, he has the explosive ability to separate and he draws pass interference penalties as well as any other player in the NFL,” Mueller wrote in an April 12 article exploring the top remaining free agents. “He adjusts well to off-target throws and catches with his hands on par with the league’s elite. Even with his injury history, there is plenty more in the tank here if he should desire to move teams again.”
