Frankly, I’m surprised this even needs to be addressed. Even though I knew that every time a big-name player is released or traded, someone will argue about whether the Pittsburgh Steelers should get him, I figured WR Odell Beckham Jr. would be a clear answer. With the Dolphins waiving him today, the Steelers could claim him at a bargain price. But there’s no reason to use him this late in the season, even given George Pickens’ hamstring injury.

The reasons should be obvious enough. At 32 years old, Beckham’s best days are long behind him. In nine games with the Miami Dolphins this season, he caught just nine passes for 18 goals. A total of 55 yards, three first downs and zero points. Miami’s rocky quarterback situation early in the season could have served as a crutch, but Tua Tagovailoa has been back in the lineup since Week 8. Beckham caught all of his passes in that span, and his already tenuous impact has waned in recent weeks. In his last three games, he has two catches for 10 yards while playing less than a quarter of the snaps.

The addition of Beckham doesn’t change things. At all. The wide receiver room in Pittsburgh is far from large, but the roles have been established. Mike Williams, the embattled downfield catcher, can be Pickens’ replacement for the next few games. Calvin Austin III has a lot more juice in his legs than Beckham and has rightly achieved great success this season. Austin’s YPC nearly triples Beckham’s. Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek do the dirty work in the running game, something Beckham wouldn’t bring.

Beckham had a strong career. In his prime, he was an elite receiver. Mike Tomlin gave him a lot of respect (well, mostly), but those days are over. Injuries and age have weakened Beckham’s ability to play big games, and by the time he gets up to speed in Pittsburgh’s offense, the Steelers face two games in a short week with limited practice time and Pickens will be back.

That’s all that needs to be said. If his name wasn’t “Odell Beckham Jr.” and another receiver with the same resume was available, this wouldn’t be a discussion. Pass on Beckham. Focus on the Steelers group. Their main task for the year is to dance with those they brought with them, and there is no reason to add another partner now.