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Odell Beckham Jr., Ryan Tannehill Best Landing Spots After 2024 NFL Draft Day 1

Andrew Peters

The first round of the NFL draft saw a handful of exciting prospects begin their NFL journey Thursday night.

But in the free agency market, a pair of veterans are looking to join a team and contribute ahead of the 2024 season.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who spent the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans, and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who played for the Baltimore Ravens last year, remain available and could be valuable additions to several teams.

After the first round of the draft, here are some possible landing spots for Beckham and Tannehill.

Odell Beckham Jr.

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Injuries derailed much of the last four years of Beckham's career, but the veteran wide receiver proved he can still be a contributor last season.

He had 565 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 35 receptions for the Ravens a season ago and is looking to bring his experience to a new team this offseason. If the former All-Pro receiver is willing to accept a pay cut, he could find himself on a roster soon.

Here's a look at a few of the top landing spots for Beckham.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have already offered Beckham, head coach Mike McDaniel said in March, so Miami seems like it could be where he ends up. The Dolphins already have a star receiver duo in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but adding Beckham to the mix would give them another threat downfield.

Miami has the offensive firepower to compete for a Super Bowl, and bolstering that unit over the offseason could help it avoid another first-round exit in 2024.

New Orleans Saints

Joining his hometown team could be a good move for Beckham as he looks to have a strong second act to his career.

The Saints moved on from wide receiver Michael Thomas this offseason after three injury-filled seasons and are looking for a No. 2 option at the receiver position as they continue their rebuild.

Chris Olave, who will be entering his third season, will be the main target for the Saints, but Beckham could be a valuable pickup to give them another option.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs wide receiver struggles were evident last season with dropped passes and miscues arising as issues all season. Beckham's veteran hands could help relieve some of that pressure.

Kansas City also has a big question mark this offseason with wide receiver Rashee Rice facing eight charges after a car crash in late March. Rice was the Chiefs' second-leading receiver behind Travis Kelce last year and could be facing a suspension in 2024. If Rice has to miss time, Beckham could come in and provide another target for Patrick Mahomes as Kansas City looks for another Super Bowl.

The Chiefs added some security at wide receiver by drafting Xavier Worthy in the first round, so that could keep them from pursuing Beckham, though they could look to pair Worthy alongside the veteran.

Ryan Tannehill

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Tannehill played 10 games for the Titans in 2023, splitting starts with rookie quarterback Will Levis. In his 10 showings, Tannehill notched 1,616 passing yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions—one of the worst seasons of his career.

Still, the 35-year-old could be a valuable pickup for a team looking for a veteran backup quarterback. Here's a look at a few teams that could benefit from signing Tannehill.

Chicago Bears

The Bears have an outstanding talent after selecting Caleb Williams with the first pick. The rookie out of USC will likely handed the reigns immediately and have some time to get acclimated as Chicago looks to continue growing.

Tannehill could provide some good competition for Williams this offseason to ensure he's ready for the grind of an NFL season.

The Bears might also consider adding Tannehill as a veteran backup should Williams need relief at any point during the season, whether due to an injury or underperforming.

Chicago's current backup quarterback is Tyson Bagent, a 23-year-old who has played in just five NFL games. While the Bears could manage if they have to call upon Bagent, picking up Tannehill would be a much more reliable option.

Detroit Lions

The Lions have an established starter in Jared Goff, who led them to the NFC championship game a year ago, but like the Bears, they lack veteran depth.

Detroit's current backup is second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker, a 2023 third-round pick out of Tennessee. Hooker didn't see action last season while recovering from a torn ACL.

For a contending team like the Lions, having an inexperienced backup could be costly should Goff suffer an injury at any point in the season.

New York Jets

The Jets are hoping to get a full season from Aaron Rodgers after the 40-year-old played just a few snaps in 2023. If Rodgers goes down with an injury, they will need to be prepared.

New York's current backup and only other quarterback on the roster, Tyrod Taylor, has an extensive injury history and might not be reliable if he is called upon. For that reason, the Jets should consider adding Tannehill.

   

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