Giants Release Odell Beckham Jr. After Short Lived Reunion With New York

Giants Release Beckham After Three Games

The New York Giants are moving on from Odell Beckham Jr., ending the veteran wide receiver’s highly anticipated return to the franchise after just three games. Beckham failed to make a significant impact during his second stint with the Giants, playing 19 offensive snaps without recording a catch. The three-time Pro Bowler is not expected to be added to New York’s practice squad at this time.

Beckham Never Found a Role in New York

Beckham’s roster spot became increasingly uncertain as the Giants faced a decision this week on fellow wide receiver Braxton Berrios, who had exhausted his practice squad elevations and serves as New York’s punt returner.

At 33 years old, Beckham was hoping his return to the Giants would provide an opportunity to revive his career and take care of what he described as “unfinished business” with the franchise that selected him No. 12 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Instead, Beckham saw limited action and never recorded a reception. He played just six snaps in Sunday’s 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans and was targeted once. Quarterback Jameis Winston’s pass to Beckham nearly resulted in an interception, making it Beckham’s only target since returning to New York.

Beckham Earned His Roster Spot in Training Camp

Beckham entered the season knowing his place on the Giants’ roster was not guaranteed. After rejoining New York in the spring, coach John Harbaugh made it clear that Beckham would have to earn his spot. The possibility of being released during the summer remained throughout training camp.

Beckham ultimately made the Giants’ initial 53-man roster as the fifth wide receiver earlier this month and appeared poised to have a role in the offense.

That role never developed. Harbaugh was asked last week about Beckham’s limited involvement and when the veteran receiver might become more involved in the offensive game plan. The Giants never found a way to significantly increase his workload before deciding to release him.

Giants Reunion Ends Without a Catch

Beckham’s return to New York carried considerable nostalgia for both the player and the fan base. He was introduced with the starters before the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, drawing an enthusiastic response from Giants fans who remembered the spectacular beginning to his career.

Fans again chanted “OBJ!” during Sunday’s win over Tennessee, but Beckham never received the opportunity to make the type of impact that once made him one of the NFL’s most recognizable stars.

His original Giants career began with a remarkable three-season run. Beckham topped 1,300 receiving yards in each of his first three professional seasons and established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic receivers before injuries began to slow his career.

Beckham’s NFL Career Continues to Face Uncertainty

The Giants represented Beckham’s latest attempt to return to the player he once was. He had not played in the NFL since the 2024 season, when he caught nine passes for 54 yards with the Miami Dolphins. Before his return to New York, Beckham had also spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens.

Beckham won a Super Bowl with the Rams and remained one of the NFL’s most accomplished receivers of his generation, but injuries and limited production have made it difficult for him to regain his early-career form.

In his NFL career, Beckham has recorded 575 receptions for 7,987 yards and 59 touchdowns. Now, his second chapter with the Giants has ended almost as quickly as it began. For Beckham, the return to the franchise that made him a star provided a chance to revisit where his career started. But after three games, 19 snaps and no catches, New York has decided to move forward without him.