The New York Giants released veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. This move officially ended his second stint with the franchise after just three regular-season games. NFL Network reporters Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo first broke the news regarding the roster decision.
Beckham re-signed with New York during the summer and reclaimed his familiar No. 13 jersey, creating a nostalgic storyline for the NFL offseason. However, the 33-year-old wideout failed to carve out a meaningful role on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, Beckham participated in only 20 total offensive snaps across three appearances, drawing just one target and recording zero catches. His playing time dwindled to six snaps during Sunday’s 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
A Short-Lived Reunion in East Rutherford
Beckham entered the season facing a steep climb just to make the final roster after sitting out the 2025 campaign. He earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster in late August following a preseason where he tallied seven catches for 76 yards. Despite an opening-season wide receiver room that featured injuries and open competition, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and the coaching staff struggled to find consistent snaps for the veteran.
With rookie standout Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, and Malachi Fields dominating the offensive targets, Beckham found himself buried on the depth chart. Because Beckham did not contribute on special teams, maintaining a roster spot for him became difficult once the team needed to address other priorities.
The transaction allows the Giants to officially sign punt returner Braxton Berrios to the active roster from the practice squad. Berrios had exhausted his standard practice squad elevations after playing in each of the first three games.
Jordan Schultz reported following the release that Beckham has no plans to retire. Instead, he intends to seek an immediate playing opportunity elsewhere rather than accept a spot on the Giants’ practice squad.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Giants History and NFL Journey
Beckham originally entered the league as the No. 12 overall pick by the Giants in the 2014 NFL Draft out of LSU. He captured the league’s attention immediately by winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He posted 1,305 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in just 12 games, highlighted by his iconic one-handed catch against the Dallas Cowboys.
During his initial five-year run with New York, Beckham accumulated 390 receptions for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns, earning three Pro Bowl selections. He currently ranks second in franchise history in receiving yards, trailing only Amani Toomer.
Following his trade to the Cleveland Browns in 2019, Beckham’s career path took him across multiple organizations. He won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams, though that run ended with a torn ACL. He subsequently played stints with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and the Miami Dolphins in 2024 before missing the 2025 season.
As Beckham enters the open market as a free agent, teams in need of veteran pass-catching depth will evaluate whether the 33-year-old receiver has anything left to offer during the remainder of the 2026 NFL season.
