New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh clarified the reasons behind the team’s decision to release wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., emphasizing that the move was driven solely by football considerations rather than external pressures or conspiracies. Beckham's return to the Giants, which lasted only three games during his second stint, ended after he recorded no catches on a single target while playing 20 snaps.

Speaking after Wednesday’s practice, Harbaugh dismissed speculation that fan chants or media attention influenced the decision. “It’s what’s best for the team — and if you think it’s anything else, then you don’t know me and you don’t know what we are doing here,” he said, adding that the decision was “not Watergate.” Harbaugh characterized Beckham’s roster spot as providing insufficient impact on the offense and the team overall, prompting the need for a change.

The difficult news was communicated to Beckham on Tuesday. Harbaugh noted that the receiver was “not thrilled” with the outcome but had been gracious in his departure. “I told him, ‘I wanted to get him on the field more.’ For whatever reason, we weren’t able to do it. Put it on us,” Harbaugh said, indicating that the team’s offensive plans simply did not align with integrating Beckham effectively.

Following Beckham’s release, the Giants turned to receivers Braxton Berrios and Charlie Jones, both of whom offer return capabilities. Berrios exhausted his three allowed practice-squad elevations before promotion. Harbaugh acknowledged that playing time decisions are complex and influenced by numerous factors, some not publicly disclosed. Although he had hoped to give Beckham more opportunities against the Tennessee Titans last week, it ultimately did not materialize. Harbaugh stressed that this was “nothing he did” and rejected the notion that Beckham’s limited usage was illogical or unfair.

Beckham’s former No. 13 jersey was reassigned to third-string quarterback Jake Haener. The receiver had expressed a desire to finish his career with the Giants, where he rose to prominence from 2014 to 2018. Despite the early end to his latest stint, Harbaugh said he believes Beckham will find a better fit elsewhere. The San Francisco 49ers have been suggested as a possible destination.

“I hope he lands somewhere, gets a shot,” Harbaugh said. “I think he’s determined to. Probably will be a better situation for him. It just wasn’t working here. That’s all that needs to be said.”