The New York Giants are releasing veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after just three games, bringing his latest stint with the franchise to an early end during the 2026 NFL season.
The decision is primarily about Beckham’s limited role in the Giants offense and New York’s need to create an active-roster spot for wide receiver and return specialist Braxton Berrios.
Why Are the Giants Releasing Odell Beckham Jr.?
Beckham made the Giants’ initial 53-man roster after returning to the organization where he became one of the NFL’s biggest stars earlier in his career.
However, Beckham struggled to find a meaningful role during the opening weeks of the season.
Through three games, Beckham played only around 20 offensive snaps. He was targeted just once and did not record a reception.
With Beckham seeing so little playing time, the Giants ultimately determined that his roster spot could be better utilized elsewhere.
Braxton Berrios Roster Move Played a Major Role
One of the biggest factors behind Beckham’s release is Braxton Berrios.
Berrios had been elevated from the Giants’ practice squad and used as the team’s punt returner. After exhausting the available practice-squad elevations, New York needed to add Berrios to the 53-man roster to continue using him.
That meant someone had to be removed from the active roster.
Beckham became the logical candidate because of his extremely limited offensive involvement and lack of a significant special-teams role.
Odell Beckham Jr. Had a Limited Role in Giants Offense
The Giants entered the season with several receivers ahead of Beckham in their rotation.
Beckham found himself competing for snaps in a wide receiver group featuring players such as Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney and Malachi Fields.
Rather than serving as one of the primary targets in the passing game, Beckham was essentially a depth receiver.
His lack of special-teams involvement also made it more difficult for New York to justify using an active-roster spot on a player receiving so few offensive snaps.
Was Odell Beckham Jr. Released Because of His Performance?
The move appears to be more about roster construction and opportunity than any major disciplinary or off-field issue.
Beckham simply wasn’t receiving enough playing time to establish himself in the Giants offense.
For a veteran receiver hoping to contribute, remaining on the roster while playing only a handful of snaps wasn’t necessarily beneficial for Beckham either.
The separation reportedly allows Beckham to pursue another NFL opportunity where he could potentially receive more playing time.
Will Odell Beckham Jr. Join the Giants Practice Squad?
Beckham is not expected to remain with New York on the practice squad.
Instead, the veteran receiver is expected to explore opportunities with other NFL teams.
His experience could make him an intriguing option for a team dealing with injuries at wide receiver or looking for veteran depth during the season.
Is Odell Beckham Jr. Retiring?
Beckham’s release does not necessarily mean he is retiring from the NFL.
The veteran receiver can continue looking for another team after leaving the Giants. His next opportunity could depend on injuries and roster needs around the league as the 2026 season progresses.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Giants Reunion Comes to an End
Beckham’s return to New York carried plenty of nostalgia because of what he accomplished during his original Giants tenure.
The Giants selected Beckham with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and he quickly became one of the league’s most recognizable receivers.
His second stint with the organization, however, was dramatically different.
Instead of being the centerpiece of the Giants passing attack, Beckham served primarily as a depth option and finished his three-game stint without recording a catch.
Ultimately, New York needed greater roster flexibility, and Berrios offered additional value as a return specialist.
For Beckham, the release gives him an opportunity to search for another NFL team where he could potentially have a larger offensive role.