Giants Cut Odell Beckham Jr. After Three Games of Minimal Usage

The New York Giants released veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on Tuesday after he recorded zero catches and only one target in his first three games. Coach John Harbaugh stated the move was mutual and that the team could not integrate Beckham into their offense or special teams. Beckham, who had previously played for the Rams, is now a free agent, with the Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, and Carolina Panthers identified as potential landing spots due to their own receiving corps injuries.
Key points
- The Giants released Odell Beckham Jr. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
- Beckham played only 19 snaps over three games, recording zero catches and one target.
- Head coach John Harbaugh said the decision was mutual and that the team 'just wasn't getting enough' from him.
- The Giants signed punt returner Braxton Berrios to the active roster to fill the void left by Beckham.
- Beckham's jersey number 13 was re-issued to quarterback Jake Haener.
- Potential landing spots for Beckham include the Rams, Raiders, and Panthers, all of whom have wide receiver injuries.
Background
Odell Beckham Jr. is a former franchise icon for the Giants, having started his career with three consecutive Pro Bowls. He previously played for the Los Angeles Rams, where he contributed to their Super Bowl victory in 2021. This release marks the end of his brief reunion with New York, where he had struggled to earn a roster spot during the offseason.
How outlets are covering it
NBC Sports and NFL.com emphasized the lack of on-field production, noting Beckham's 19 snaps and zero catches. Harbaugh's comments, reported by NBC Sports, framed the release as a mutual decision where the team failed to make it work, rather than a blame on the player. Bleacher Report focused on the market implications, highlighting Beckham's familiarity with the Rams' system and the immediate needs of the Raiders and Panthers. ESPN's source was inaccessible, so no perspective could be synthesized from that outlet.
Why it matters
The release signals the end of Beckham's career with the Giants and highlights the team's shift toward younger, versatile players like Braxton Berrios. It also creates a ripple effect in the free agent market, as teams with wide receiver injuries may look to Beckham for veteran leadership and depth, despite his limited recent production.
What to watch
Beckham will likely seek a new team among those with wide receiver needs, such as the Rams, Raiders, or Panthers. The Giants will continue to rely on Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, and Darnell Mooney, along with the newly signed Braxton Berrios, for their receiving and special teams duties.
- John Harbaugh on releasing OBJ: “It just wasn’t working for us” NBC Sports
- Giants release fan favorite Odell Beckham Jr. ESPN
- Giants Forced to Act After Kayvon Thibodeaux Plays Unaware of Odell Beckham Jr.’s Release Yahoo Sports
- Odell Beckham Jr.'s Top Potential NFL Landing Spots After Giants Release bleacherreport.com
- Giants release veteran WR Odell Beckham Jr. after three games, 19 snaps nfl.com
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