Full Breakdown
Odell Beckham Jr. Released by New York Giants Amidst Frustration
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Giants Cut Ties with OBJ
The New York Giants placed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on waivers after three weeks of the 2026 season. Beckham, who signed a one-year veteran-minimum deal worth $1.3 million in June, appeared in 20 offensive snaps, was targeted once and recorded no receptions. The team announced the move in late September, citing insufficient on-field contribution.
Background & Context
Beckham originally spent five seasons with the Giants (2014-2018), earning three Pro Bowl selections and surpassing 1,300 receiving yards in each of his first three years. After stints with the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins (2024) and a six-game PED suspension that kept him out of the 2025 season, he returned to New York seeking a career-ending storyline. The Giants’ roster was thin at receiver following an ACL injury to Calvin Austin III, prompting the team to retain Beckham on the 53-man roster despite limited preseason production.
Data & Statistics
- Contract: one-year, $1.3 million veteran minimum (no guaranteed money).
- Snap count: 11 in Week 1, 3 in Week 2, 6 in Week 3 (total 20).
- Targets: 1 (a deep pass from Jameis Winston in the Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans).
- Receptions: 0.
- Career Giants totals (first stint): 5,476 receiving yards, 44 touchdowns.
Official Statements & Responses
The Giants subsequently promoted punt returner Braxton Berrios and signed wide receiver Charlie Jones to fill the roster spot.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Idk why they even gave me the run along,” — Odell Beckham
- “Now let me [tell] u the [real] deal truth [that] hurt my heart to the core is [coming] home and seeing my son and how happy he was with no idea of what happened and talkin' [about] my job [and] jersey number 13 broke me [the f–k] down,” — Odell Beckham
- “ "I had a great conversation with Odell, and it's tough," Harbaugh said, via SNY.” — John Harbaugh, head coach
- “We just weren't getting enough. It just wasn't working for us,” — John Harbaugh, head coach
- “It’s what’s best for the team,” — John Harbaugh, head coach
What’s Next
Beckham entered free agency with the expectation of joining another team without the benefit of an offseason program. Analysts note that, given his age and lack of recent production, he may initially receive a practice-squad offer before earning a roster spot. The Giants, meanwhile, have bolstered special-teams depth and will continue evaluating receiver options as the season progresses.