The New York Giants released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, ending his second stint with the team after three games. Beckham, who was drafted by the Giants in 2014, recorded zero catches on one target during his return. To fill roster spots, the team signed receiver and return specialist Braxton Berrios and receiver Charlie Jones from the practice squad.
Beckham, 33, made the Giants' 53-man roster after being out of football for more than a year. He last played an NFL game in December 2024 for the Miami Dolphins and missed the 2025 season while serving a six-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. According to the team's offensive coordinator, Beckham's inclusion on the roster was influenced by a training camp injury to receiver Calvin Austin.
During his three games this season, Beckham played 20 of 191 offensive snaps, approximately 10.5% of the team's total. In his final game with the team, a 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, September 27, 2026, Beckham was on the field for six plays and was targeted once on a deep pass by quarterback Jameis Winston. Giants coach John Harbaugh had previously suggested a larger role for Beckham, but the receiver remained behind Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, and Malachi Fields on the depth chart.
The release of the veteran affects the New York Giants' roster as they navigate the 2026 season. By promoting Braxton Berrios, the Giants addressed a requirement as Berrios had reached the league's three-game limit for practice squad elevations. Additionally, the team promoted Charlie Jones to the active roster to replace linebacker Brian Burns, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL.
The transaction also impacts the career of Beckham, a former first-round pick who was attempting a comeback at age 33. Teammate Kayvon Thibodeaux stated he believes Beckham will "be able to make a statement somewhere." His tenure reflects the team's efforts to adjust its roster following personnel changes, including the acquisition of quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota on Monday, September 28, 2026.
The Giants are scheduled to play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Coach John Harbaugh confirmed that Jameis Winston will start at quarterback, supported by either J.J. McCarthy or Jake Haener, the latter of whom cleared waivers on Tuesday and is expected to join the practice squad. Beckham is now eligible to be claimed by another team or sign as a free agent. Specific financial terms regarding the remaining portion of Beckham's contract were not reported.