The New York Giants are releasing veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., sources told NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. The move follows a reunion in which Beckham played 19 snaps across three games without recording a catch.
Beckham’s roster spot had been in jeopardy as the Giants approached a decision on fellow wide receiver Braxton Berrios. Berrios, New York’s punt returner, was out of practice squad elevations.
A source told ESPN that Beckham, 33, is not expected to join the Giants’ practice squad at this time. The three time Pro Bowler returned to the franchise hoping for a better outcome while addressing what he called “unfinished business.”
New York drafted Beckham 12th in 2014, beginning a first stint that included major receiving production. His second stint ended with no receptions and only one target in three appearances.
Beckham entered the reunion hoping to resuscitate his career after not playing in the NFL since the 2024 season. He caught nine passes for 54 yards with the Miami Dolphins during that season.
After Beckham rejoined the Giants this past spring, coach John Harbaugh told him that he would need to earn a roster spot. The possibility remained that the team could release him during the summer.
Beckham instead secured a place on New York’s final 53 player roster earlier this month. He made the team as its fifth receiver and was expected to have a role in the offense.
That role produced limited opportunities over the first three games. Beckham’s only target during his return to the Giants came in Sunday’s 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Beckham played six snaps against Tennessee and was targeted on a pass from quarterback Jameis Winston. The pass was nearly intercepted, and Beckham finished the game without a reception.
Harbaugh had been asked last week about Beckham’s minimal impact and when the receiver might become more involved in the offensive plan. The coach pointed directly to New York’s Week 3 home game against Tennessee.
“I would think Sunday would be great,” Harbaugh said. He also said he was all for Beckham becoming involved that Sunday and viewed the Titans game as the perfect time.
That increased involvement did not happen. Beckham also left the Giants’ locker room quickly following the victory over Tennessee.
Making the roster out of training camp and returning to New York had carried meaning for Beckham. The reunion also produced a nostalgic scene when he was introduced with the starters before the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
The support remained visible during Sunday’s game against Tennessee. Excited fans chanted “OBJ!” in the fourth quarter even though Beckham’s role in the offense remained minimal.
Beckham’s original tenure with the Giants began with substantial production. He topped 1,300 in each of his first three professional seasons and was on a record pace before injuries slowed that trajectory.
The Giants eventually traded Beckham to the Cleveland Browns. He has also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Dolphins, compiling 575 catches for 7,987 yards and 59 touchdowns in his career.