Giants Cut Beckham, Elevate Returners Berrios and Jones

Key points

• Odell Beckham Jr. was officially released by the Giants after appearing in 20 offensive snaps across three games without recording a reception.
• Braxton Berrios and Charlie Jones were elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster; both players are primarily utilized as kick and punt returners.
• Edge defender Brian Burns was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL, a move that prompted the Giants to bypass signing veteran linebacker Malik Harrison and edge defender Trace Ford.
• Kayvon Thibodeaux displayed a dramatic reaction to Beckham's release during a press conference, though reports indicate he was already aware of the decision.
• The Giants face the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, with potential further roster shuffles indicated by the bypassing of other practice squad players.

Background

Beckham's release concludes a brief return to the Giants, where he had previously been selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. He signed with the team in June 2026 after spending the 2025 season out of the NFL. His initial 2026 stint was contingent on preseason performance, where he recorded 3 catches for 53 yards against the Jets, but his regular season impact was minimal. The release also follows the season-ending injury of Calvin Austin III and the ACL tear of Brian Burns, a 2025 All-Pro second-teamer, which has forced the Giants to rely on Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux in the defensive line.

How outlets are covering it

Big Blue View and USA Today emphasize the practical roster moves, highlighting the elevation of Berrios and Jones for their special teams contributions and the injury status of Brian Burns. USA Today specifically notes the awkwardness of Kayvon Thibodeaux's feigned shock, contrasting his public reaction with his private knowledge of the release. Bleacher Report focuses on the market implications for Beckham, identifying the Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, and Carolina Panthers as potential landing spots due to their wide receiver needs. ESPN's source was inaccessible, providing no additional perspective. All sources agree on the core facts of the release and the subsequent roster elevations, but differ in their emphasis on the human element (Thibodeaux's reaction) versus the strategic market analysis (Beckham's potential destinations).

Why it matters

The release of Odell Beckham Jr. signals a shift in the Giants' wide receiver strategy, prioritizing special teams versatility over veteran receiving talent. The elevation of Berrios and Jones indicates a focus on field position and return games, while the injury to Brian Burns forces the Giants to rely on younger defensive players. Beckham's availability on the free agent market could impact other teams' rosters, particularly those with wide receiver needs, and may influence future draft and free agent decisions for the Giants.

What to watch

The Giants will face the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The team may make further roster adjustments before the game, as indicated by the bypassing of Malik Harrison and Trace Ford. Beckham will seek a new team, with the Rams, Raiders, and Panthers identified as potential options. The Giants will also monitor the recovery of Brian Burns and the performance of their new wide receiver additions.