Odell Beckham Jr. joins Minnesota Vikings
Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad on October 7, 2026, 8 days after the New York Giants released him. The veteran receiver was 33.
Minnesota announced the move in Eagan before its trip to New Orleans. Beckham previously played for the Giants, Browns, Rams, Ravens and Dolphins, making Minnesota his 6th NFL organization.
New York Giants brought Beckham back
The New York Giants signed Beckham on June 1, 2026, following a workout. The move reunited him with the franchise he represented from 2014 through 2018.
New York included him on its initial 53-man roster on August 30. He finished the preseason with 7 receptions for 76 yards, including 3 catches for 53 yards against the Jets.
Beckham received just 1 Giants target
Beckham appeared in New York’s first 3 regular-season games before his September 29 release. NFL Next Gen Stats credited him with 19 offensive snaps, 1 target and no receptions.
His only target came during the September 27 game against Tennessee, which the Giants won 12-7 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Beckham said the release surprised him
Beckham responded to a video criticizing the Giants on Instagram on October 3. He wrote, “They got me,” and admitted he had not expected New York to end his return.
Beckham also said he believed another NFL team would have given him playing opportunities during the 2026 season. He questioned why New York brought him back before ending the reunion.
Beckham signed a $1.3 million Giants deal
Beckham accepted a 1-year, $1.3 million contract to rejoin New York in June 2026. Veteran receivers Braxton Berrios and JuJu Smith-Schuster also signed veteran-minimum agreements.
Following his release, Beckham said he had earned his roster spot and had not asked for additional money.
Beckham described his son’s reaction
Beckham said returning home to his son was the hardest part of losing his Giants position. The child knew nothing about the roster move but discussed his father’s football job.
His son brought up a Giants jersey numbered 13 and said he preferred No. 3. Beckham described receiving a reassuring hug during that exchange, which he shared publicly on Instagram.
Giants promoted Braxton Berrios
New York promoted Braxton Berrios and Charlie Jones from its practice squad on September 29. Those transactions added two receivers to the active roster as Beckham departed from the organization.
Berrios handled punts, a special teams role Beckham had not filled in his latest Giants stint. The former New York Jets receiver earned first-team All-Pro honors for his 2021 performance.
Kevin O’Connell recruited Beckham
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell contacted Beckham directly after he departed from New York. The receiver told reporters that a personal text message expressed confidence in his ability to play.
Beckham said he considered other possibilities before choosing Minnesota. He explained that O’Connell made him feel wanted, and the coach’s interest influenced his decision to join the Vikings practice squad.
Vikings ranked last in passing yards
Minnesota entered October 7 with a 4-0 record but ranked last among 32 NFL teams for passing yardage. Across four games, its quarterbacks totaled 709 yards, averaging 177.3 per contest.
Vikings quarterbacks completed 68 of 110 attempts during that stretch, a 61.8% rate. Minnesota also threw four touchdown passes and two interceptions through Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season.
Justin Jefferson missed Dolphins game
Justin Jefferson missed Minnesota’s October 4 game with Miami after suffering an ankle injury at Tampa Bay on September 27. The Vikings beat the Dolphins 15-10 without their leading receiver.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 13 passes for 119 yards against Miami, tying his career high for receptions in one game. Jordan Addison finished with four catches for 52 yards.
Fun fact: In 2015, Beckham caught 33 footballs one-handed in just 60 seconds, with Drew Brees throwing every pass, setting a Guinness World Record.
Beckham previously played for Rams coaches
Kevin O’Connell directed the Los Angeles Rams offense when Beckham joined their 2021 championship team. Wes Phillips worked on that staff before becoming the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive coordinator in 2022.
Beckham caught 27 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns in eight Rams regular-season appearances. During four playoff games, he contributed 21 receptions totaling 288 yards and two additional scores.
Beckham entered Minnesota with 575 catches
Before joining Minnesota, Beckham totaled 575 NFL receptions for 7,987 yards and 59 receiving touchdowns across 122 games. The Giants selected the LSU receiver 12th overall in the 2014 draft.
Beckham earned 2014 Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and made three consecutive Pro Bowls. In five Giants seasons, he recorded 390 receptions for 5,476 yards and 44 receiving touchdowns.
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Vikings listed Beckham inactive
The Vikings elevated Beckham from their practice squad on October 10 before visiting New Orleans. He was inactive the next day, while Justin Jefferson returned and Jordan Addison sat out.
The Vikings defeated New Orleans 23-13 to improve to 5-0. Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 24 of 30 passes for 229 yards, recording 1 touchdown without an interception at Caesars Superdome.
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Do you think the Giants released Odell Beckham Jr. too soon, or will the Vikings give him a better opportunity to contribute? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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