Odell Beckham Jr.’s brief second stint with the New York Giants came to an end Tuesday, as the team released the veteran wide receiver after three games without a catch. Beckham, 33, had returned to the Giants after more than a year away from football, having last played an NFL game with the Miami Dolphins in December 2024 and missing the 2025 season due to a six-game suspension for a performance-enhancing drug violation.
Beckham’s release coincided with the Giants promoting return specialist Braxton Berrios and wide receiver Charlie Jones from the practice squad to the active roster. Berrios had already been elevated the maximum number of times allowed, necessitating a roster move, while linebacker Brian Burns was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL, creating space for Jones.
Throughout his brief return, Beckham was targeted just once, a deep pass intended for him in the first quarter of a recent game against the Tennessee Titans. Despite limited opportunities, fans remained vocal in their support, chanting his name during the contest. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy acknowledged on Thursday that the team was exploring ways to involve Beckham more, noting that an injury “would be enough” to get him more playing time. Calvin Austin’s torn right ACL during training camp was cited as a factor that helped Beckham make the final 53-man roster, as he had shown progress during practice and preseason games. Without Austin’s injury, Beckham likely would not have made the cut.
Beckham was listed behind Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, and rookie Malachi Fields on the Giants’ wide receiver depth chart. Tight end Isaiah Likely, who played alongside Beckham with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, expressed admiration for Beckham, saying, “I love playing with ‘O’... Hopefully, wherever he ends up, he does what Odell does.”
The Giants’ roster moves come amid a busy period for the team. On Monday, they acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, sending a fifth-round draft pick in return. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed that starting quarterback Jameis Winston will play in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, with McCarthy or backup Jake Haener providing depth behind him. Haener was released with the intention of re-signing him to the practice squad after clearing waivers on Tuesday.
Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux praised Beckham’s persistence, calling him “a legend” who has “fought so hard to make his way back” to the league and expressed confidence that Beckham will continue to contribute elsewhere.
Beckham’s release marks the end of a brief chapter with the Giants, concluding a comeback attempt that generated considerable attention but limited on-field impact.