Tua Tagovailoa questions on-field chemistry with Odell Beckham Jr. as WR's injury concerns continue
The Miami Dolphins signed Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year contract during the 2024 offseason. Fresh off a mildly disappointing season with the Baltimore Ravens, Beckham Jr., who's past his prime, joined forces with a strong offense to try and get himself a second Super Bowl ring.
Although everybody expected the wide receiver to be a small feature on the offense, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle leading the bulk of targets, a problem arose. Since signing with Miami, Odell hasn't practiced with his new teammates due to an undisclosed injury, and the lack of on-field chemistry is a concern for Tua Tagovailoa:
“Off the field, I’ve been able to hang out with him a good amount of times. Cool dude, 100 percent. But does that translate? Does our relationship translate on the field? I couldn’t tell you because I haven’t gotten reps with him. And that’s just the honest truth. Now, if ‘O’ isn’t on the PUP list, he clears everything, and we’re able to get out there? That’s one of the first things that I want to do. Routes on air, want to make sure I get as many reps with him [as I can]. I just want to make sure that’s all good."
Tua's chemistry concerns were echoed by head coach Mike McDaniel during a Monday press conference:
“There’s not a scenario where he’s going to just jump out there with a cape on without practicing at all. Are we going to play football with Tua and Odell being uncomfortable with their connectivity in a real game? Absolutely not."
Veteran receivers obviously have a smaller need to adapt to a new place, but still, Beckham will need to build some rapport with his quarterback in practice before playing in a game again.
What's Odell Beckham Jr.'s contract with the Miami Dolphins?
The veteran receiver signed a one-year, $3 million deal that could ascend to $8.25 million depending on incentives.
It's a far cry from the numbers that he was used to earning, but at this point, with a big knee injury on the record and over 30 years of age, it's still a good value for his production.