Odell Beckham Jr.’s highly anticipated reunion with the New York Giants has come to an early end.
The Giants released the veteran wide receiver Tuesday after only three games with the team. The move was confirmed on the team’s official transaction tracker. Beckham, 33, returned to the franchise this offseason after spending more than a year away from NFL action.
However, the former Pro Bowler struggled to carve out a meaningful role in New York’s offense. Beckham finished his brief second stint with the Giants without recording a reception. He received only one target across three games.
That lone opportunity came during New York’s 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Beckham played only six offensive snaps during the win. His limited involvement came despite fans chanting his nickname during the game.
The veteran played about 20 offensive snaps across the Giants’ first three games. His lack of playing time became one of the biggest signs that his comeback could be short-lived.
Beckham’s Giants reunion ends quickly
Beckham signed with New York in June, returning to the franchise that drafted him 12 years earlier. His comeback generated attention because of his history with the organization.
Beckham also successfully fought for a roster spot throughout training camp and the preseason. He ultimately made New York’s initial 53-man roster. Beckham also reclaimed his familiar No. 13 jersey ahead of the regular season.
“It would be an honor and a privilege to put that back on,” Beckham said before reclaiming the number.
Still, opportunities were difficult to find once the regular season began. Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney and rookie Malachi Fields remained ahead of Beckham in New York’s receiving rotation.
The Giants ultimately moved in another direction after three games. New York promoted return specialist Braxton Berrios and wide receiver Charlie Jones from its practice squad Tuesday.
Berrios had already been elevated from the practice squad three times this season.
A memorable first chapter in New York
Beckham’s second run was much different from the explosive start to his NFL career. The Giants selected Beckham with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
He immediately emerged as one of football’s most dynamic receivers. Beckham earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2014. He also earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections.
Across five seasons with New York, Beckham recorded 390 receptions for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns. His 92.8 receiving yards per game remain the highest average in Giants history among players with at least 50 games.
New York traded Beckham to the Cleveland Browns before the 2019 season. He later played for the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins.
Beckham won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams following the 2021 season. The receiver has 575 career receptions for 7,987 yards and 59 touchdowns across 122 regular-season games.
His future is now uncertain following his latest departure from New York. However, teammates expressed support for Beckham following the roster move. Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux called Beckham “a legend in the game” while wishing him well.
The release leaves Beckham searching for another opportunity after successfully making his way back onto an NFL roster. Whether another team signs the veteran receiver remains to be seen.