The Odell Beckham Jr. reunion came to an abrupt end Tuesday afternoon when he was released by the New York Giants. The move secures a roster spot for wide receiver Braxton Berrios, who has been back and forth on the practice squad while serving as the team’s kick and punt returner.
Millions of Giants fans around the world were overly ecstatic on the afternoon of June 1st, when it was reported that Beckham would be making a return to the organization. After not playing in the NFL for nearly two seasons, the 33 year old stood out enough in training camp to earn himself a roster spot.
A comeback to East Rutherford at the time it was announced may have caught some off guard, but it wasn’t a total surprise. Following his departure from the Los Angeles Rams after the 2022 season, Beckham expressed on multiple occasions that he never wanted to leave the Giants after being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and was open to a comeback. This caused rumors to swirl and even led to a non-workout visit to the facility. But in the end, the reunion never happened.
During that time, the team was led by Brian Daboll. The difference between then and now? John Harbaugh. The two maintained a good relationship from when they crossed paths in Baltimore with the Ravens. Harbaugh has said in the past that Beckham was one of his “very favorite people in the world.”
But after three games, only 20 snaps on the field, and one single target, it seemed like the return was over before it even started. While there was optimism of what Beckham’s role and value to the team would be, today’s release made it clear the Giants didn’t see him as a total necessity.
If this marked the official end between the two, Beckham ends what was both a widely successful and popular career with Big Blue. He took the NFL by storm in 2014 with his famous one handed catch against the Dallas Cowboys along with multiple rookie records shattered. His dominance continued in years followed while being dubbed one of the league’s top wide-receivers. His 390 receptions, 5476 receiving yards, and 44 touchdowns with the Giants puts him fourth, second, and fourth all time in franchise history.
This is a win-win situation for both sides. While the Giants were able to secure Berrios for their return positions, Beckham’s short second stint gave him the opportunity to showcase his skills and prove that he’s still got juice in the tank.
While the future of Odell Beckham Jr. is unknown, it’s safe to say he added himself to the list of free agent WRs NFL teams could look to if needed.
