New York Giants release Odell Beckham Jr.
The New York Giants released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after three regular-season games in 2026, ending his reunion with the franchise that selected him 12th overall from LSU in 2014.
Head coach John Harbaugh said New York was not getting enough from the roster spot. Beckham finished the stint without a catch and received one target while playing roughly 20 offensive snaps.
Odell Beckham Jr. reunion lasts three games
Odell Beckham Jr. returned to New York after missing the 2025 NFL season, then earned a place on the Giants’ initial 53-player roster following training camp, preseason work, and roster evaluations.
His second stint ended before October after three regular-season appearances. New York released Beckham with a 2-1 record after Jameis Winston started the Giants’ 12-7 Week 3 victory over Tennessee.
John Harbaugh explains roster decision
Head coach John Harbaugh said he had a good conversation with Odell Beckham Jr. before the release, adding that the Giants wanted more production and playing time from the veteran receiver.
Harbaugh said New York could not make the fit work within its offense. He placed responsibility on the coaching staff and said the team needed to move forward after three games.
Odell Beckham Jr. sees limited targets
Odell Beckham Jr. did not record a reception during New York’s first three games of the 2026 season, despite appearing in each contest during his second stint with the Giants.
His only target came during the 12-7 Week 3 victory over Tennessee. Beckham played roughly 20 offensive snaps before the Giants decided they needed greater production from the roster spot.
New York Giants reshape receiver room
New York signed Braxton Berrios and Charlie Jones to the active roster from the practice squad on September 29, the same day the Giants terminated Odell Beckham Jr.’s contract after three games.
Both additions had experience in return roles, giving New York more options beyond traditional receiver duties. The transactions also filled active-roster spots as the Giants reorganized personnel entering Week 4.
Odell Beckham Jr. signed one-year deal
Odell Beckham Jr. rejoined New York on a one-year, $1.3 million contract signed in June after working out for Giants officials, giving the veteran another opportunity with his original NFL team.
The contract carried no fully guaranteed money. Beckham last appeared in regular-season games for Miami in 2024, catching 9 passes for 55 yards before sitting out 2025.
Odell Beckham Jr. built major Giants totals
Odell Beckham Jr. became one of New York’s most productive receivers after the Giants selected the LSU standout with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft that spring.
Across five seasons from 2014 through 2018, Beckham recorded 390 receptions, 5,476 receiving yards, and 44 touchdown catches. The Giants traded him to Cleveland on March 13, 2019, ending that first stint.
Odell Beckham Jr. carries long NFL resume
Odell Beckham Jr. entered 2026 having played for the Giants, Browns, Rams, Ravens, and Dolphins during an NFL career that began with New York in 2014 after his LSU career.
By the time of his release, Beckham had recorded 575 receptions, 7,987 receiving yards, and 59 receiving touchdowns in 122 regular-season games, including 97 starts, across five NFL franchises.
John Harbaugh rejects outside pressure
Head coach John Harbaugh said fan chants and repeated questions about Odell Beckham Jr. did not influence New York’s decision to release the receiver after three regular-season games in September.
Harbaugh said the move reflected what the Giants needed from the roster spot and offense. Fans had chanted Beckham’s nickname during the Week 3 victory over Tennessee at MetLife Stadium.
Odell Beckham Jr. teammates offer support
Kayvon Thibodeaux wished Odell Beckham Jr. well after the release, calling him a legend in the game and noting the work Beckham had put into returning to the NFL with New York.
Tight end Isaiah Likely, who also played with Beckham in Baltimore, said he enjoyed being his teammate and hoped the veteran receiver would find another opportunity after leaving New York.
Fun fact: Beckham once caught 33 footballs one-handed in one minute, briefly setting a Guinness World Record with Drew Brees throwing every pass.
New York Giants add J.J. McCarthy
New York acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick after Jaxson Dart sustained a knee injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the regular season.
The trade followed Jameis Winston’s 12-7 Week 3 victory over Tennessee. The Giants had evaluated quarterbacks before the 2024 NFL Draft, when New York selected Malik Nabers sixth overall instead.
J.J. McCarthy joins Giants from Minnesota
J.J. McCarthy joined New York after Minnesota named Kyler Murray its 2026 starter and placed veteran Carson Wentz ahead of McCarthy on the depth chart. Minnesota drafted McCarthy 10th overall in 2024.
McCarthy helped Michigan win the national championship under head coach Jim Harbaugh before entering the NFL. Jim Harbaugh is the brother of Giants head coach John Harbaugh, creating a direct family coaching connection.
Travis Kelce broke an all-time NFL record without realizing he was even close to it, adding another milestone to a career already defined by postseason production and durability.
Odell Beckham Jr. exit closes short reunion
Odell Beckham Jr.’s return ended after three games, one target, no catches, and roughly 20 offensive snaps during New York’s opening month under Head Coach John Harbaugh in the 2026 season.
The Giants released Beckham on September 29, then signed Berrios and Jones from the practice squad to the active roster as the team continued adjusting its receiver depth entering Week 4.
In other news, explore how Jameis Winston’s awkward handoff mistake sends Cam Skattebo to the turf.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Giants reunion ended after only three games and almost no offensive role. Do you think New York moved on too quickly? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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