Odell Beckham Jr. reflects on Giants release and says team ‘won’ with his return

Odell Beckham Jr. has offered his first public reaction to being released by the New York Giants, using social media to share how his much-publicized return unraveled. The veteran wide receiver, who rejoined New York in the offseason and made the final 53-man roster, was cut despite playing only a limited role to start the year.

Through the first three games, Beckham logged just 20 offensive snaps and did not record a reception. Giants fans had hoped for a storybook final chapter to his career with the franchise, and MetLife Stadium echoed with "OBJ" chants during New York’s Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans. Days later, the team moved on.

Beckham says Giants ‘got me’ and ‘won’ on attention

Beckham’s comments came in response to an Instagram video from a fan criticizing the Giants, general manager Joe Schoen and head coach John Harbaugh for bringing him back primarily to generate buzz. In a lengthy reply, Beckham agreed with the sentiment, writing that the Giants "got me" and "won" by capitalizing on the attention his return brought while he played on a veteran-minimum deal.

He also reflected on the emotional side of the move, describing how difficult it was to go home and see his young son excited about his job and jersey number, unaware that he had been cut. Beckham wrote that he feels he could have contributed elsewhere this season but is now focused on staying ready for whatever opportunity comes next, emphasizing that he is approaching the situation with humility.

Giants pivot to Berrios and Jones after move

The Giants quickly addressed the vacancy at wide receiver by signing Braxton Berrios, who also handles punt returns, and adding Charlie Jones to the active roster. Harbaugh discussed the decision this week, saying it ultimately came down to the fit and production the staff was seeing.

Harbaugh said he had a strong conversation with Beckham and admitted the coaches were not able to get the veteran more involved. He explained that "it just wasn’t working" for the Giants, noting that they wanted Beckham to do more and be on the field more but were unable to make it happen, and that the team felt it was time to move on.

Late-career outlook remains uncertain for OBJ

Questions remain about what Beckham can still offer on the field at this stage of his career. He has not topped 55 receiving yards in a season since 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens. He then spent 2024 with the Miami Dolphins before going unsigned in 2025 while serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

Being released by the Giants adds another layer of uncertainty to his trajectory. No next team has been identified publicly, and it is unclear whether another club will bring him in for what would be another late-career opportunity.