Although it didn’t work out the first time, there’s still potential for the Baltimore Ravens to rejoin forces with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., particularly in light of the tense situation between the team and Diontae Johnson.
That’s the opinion of CBS Sports’ Shanna McCarriston and Tyler Sullivan, who compiled a list of “logical fits” for Beckham after the former second-team All-Pro parted ways with the Miami Dolphins on Friday, December 13.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Beckham’s departure from Hard Rock Stadium, adding that the 32-year-old will become a free agent if he clears waivers on Monday.
Pelissero also named the Ravens and another of OBJ’s former teams, the Los Angeles Rams, as playoff-bound squads that could benefit from the wideout’s skills.
McCarriston and Sullivan share this perspective, outlining three key reasons why a reunion between Beckham and M&T Bank Stadium would be a smart move.
Odell Beckham Jr. Return Can Work for Ravens
The Ravens are in need of a proven playmaker in their receiver corps, a need they acknowledged when they traded a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers for Diontae Johnson back in October.
However, the trade has not panned out as the Ravens had hoped. As McCarriston and Sullivan pointed out, “the Diontae Johnson trade has absolutely blown up in Baltimore’s face, with the wideout now enduring a team-issued suspension for Week 15 after refusing to enter the club’s game against Philadelphia. Even before this, Johnson was a non-factor in the offense, catching just one pass in four appearances.”
With uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s future, the Ravens still need depth at receiver. Beckham, who spent last season with Baltimore, could be a strong fit, as he is already familiar with the offense, having caught 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. As the Ravens remain in the playoff hunt, adding a veteran like Beckham, who knows the system, could prove valuable.
While the idea of bringing Beckham back has merit, it does come with risks. Over the past two seasons, he’s only tallied 44 receptions and hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 13 of 2023. There’s also the lingering question of whether Beckham can still perform at the same level that earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2014 and three Pro Bowl selections. He’s torn his left ACL twice, and his production has steadily declined.
But there may be a reason to believe things could be different this time around. The Ravens’ offense is currently leading the NFL with 4,519 yards, according to Pro Football Reference. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level, with support from two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry and a flourishing second-year receiver, Zay Flowers.
In this high-powered offense, the Ravens need a credible second option—something Johnson has been unable to provide. Beckham could be the missing piece to complete this dynamic trio.
Diontae Johnson Situation Still a Problem
Johnson’s lack of playing time has caused frustration among key players, including quarterback Lamar Jackson. This frustration is understandable, as the former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout has the potential to make an impact with his field-stretching speed and natural after-catch ability.
However, Johnson won’t be able to make any impact in Week 15 due to a one-game suspension. Despite this, receiver Zay Flowers has spoken positively about what Johnson could contribute if he’s reintegrated into the team.
The Ravens’ general manager, Eric DeCosta, and head coach, John Harbaugh, won’t need to mend fences with a player who refused to take the field during the Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Instead, they could give Beckham another chance to prove himself, offering Jackson another viable big-play weapon.
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