The Miami Dolphins lost a big name when they waived Odell Beckham Jr. on Friday morning. But the truth is, the move probably won’t have much of an impact on the team or its wide receiver corps.

At this stage of his career Beckham is just that, a big name, as he is clearly not the same player he was in his heyday When he was an explosive playmaker with the ability to make circus catches look routine.

Beckham was never a factor for the Dolphins in 2024 and should be easily replaceable. In fact, the Dolphins could benefit from not having him on the roster, just as Beckham could benefit from a change of scenery and perhaps another opportunity with a team that actually wants to use him.

The two big numbers that stood out about Beckham were his averages of 11 offensive shots and two goals in his nine games.

Easily replaceable here too.

And the player most willing to take on this job is River Cracraft.

We remember River Cracraft, right? He was the player who might actually have been the team’s best wide receiver in training camp, while Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle missed significant practice time due to minor injuries and Beckham was sidelined while recovering from knee surgery.

They also remember when Cracraft’s return from IR from a shoulder injury became a hot topic because he was available as a backup player on offense.

Cracraft hasn’t had much of a chance at all since his return, as he’s parked on the depth chart behind sixth-round rookie Malik Washington and Beckham. Cracraft averaged nine offensive snaps and was even inactive last Sunday against the New York Jets.

Cracraft hasn’t been targeted this season, but we expect that to change soon, although the passing game will continue to focus on Hill, Waddle, tight end Jonnu Smith and running back De’Von Achane.

Malik Washington is already averaging about 22 offensive snaps per game, consistent with his duties as a punt and kickoff returner, and perhaps he’ll get more snaps on offense, but he’s caught 10 passes in 10 games, it is So it’s not like he’s a central player in the passing game. No, his value is more from an all-around standpoint as a returner, blocker for the running game, and an occasional end-around player.

The Dolphins now have five wide receivers on the active roster, with Dee Eskridge the other joining Hill, Waddle, Washington and Cracraft, while IR player Grant DuBose is on his way back after returning to practice this week.

So the Dolphins will go back to six wide receivers unless Eskridge’s knee injury proves serious enough to require him to be placed on IR.

Considering they were already using four wide receivers on the 53, there’s no reason to think the Dolphins necessarily have to have at least six.

So while Beckham’s move was notable, it really wasn’t that significant in terms of what it meant for the Dolphins’ wide receiver corps or their offense.