Beckham Jr. and Carter both shared the Giants‘ No. 3 jersey throughout training camp and the NFL preseason. However, after Beckham let Jalin Hyatt know his intentions about the No. 13 jersey, it was clear the veteran wideout would be returning to his old number in no time. Finally, it was made official. Carter celebrated the news with a funny post on social media.

“It’s about damn time,” Carter stated on his X account, @1NCRDB1. He didn’t actually write that message, though, instead he simply quoted the Giants’ announcement with a GIF of LeBron James saying those words after winning an NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

New jerseys in New York-New Jersey

It’s always a hot topic around the New York Giants and a cause of social media stir whenever someone references the G-Men’s home as New York instead of New Jersey, where MetLife Stadium is located.

Fortunately, though, there will be no more confusion in East Rutherford’s locker rooms now. Duplicate numbers are a thing of the past—and of the preseason. With the 2026 NFL campaign looming on the horizon, the jersey changes have been made official.

Carter will wear No. 3 (he donned No. 51 during his rookie year), Beckham Jr. is now No. 13, and Hyatt—though he is on the practice squad—has taken up No. 81. There will be no mistake when talking about the Giants’ No. 13—it will be the same wide receiver who turned that number into a star a decade ago in the Meadowlands.

“He’ll be in that receiver group. He’ll be rotating in, different personnel groups, and he’ll be playing,” the HC recently revealed to the press. It will be a matter of seeing whether OBJ will ultimately have a more prominent role as the weeks go by.

Malik Nabers is the main weapon at the LWR position, and only a physical setback could cause him to lose the spot. With a new season just around the corner, Beckham Jr. will have to step up his efforts if he wants to break into the starting lineup at some point.

The importance of the Giants’ receiving corps

The G-Men’s offense is expected to be a major strength this season, with Jaxson Dart relying heavily on his receivers. At full strength, this unit could become a nightmare for opposing teams starting in Week 1.

Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney join Nabers as the main options in the passing game. In addition, veteran Darius Slayton is another player who will be part of the rotation, likely with a role similar to OBJ’s.

Harbaugh’s first challenges in New York

Harbaugh will make his debut as the Giants’ new head coach, marking a new experience for him in the NFL after a lengthy career with the Baltimore Ravens. His coaching methodology is making its way to East Rutherford, where he will look to implement his football philosophy starting in Week 1.

The debut will be far from easy, although playing at home could perhaps give them an extra boost. On September 13, the Big Blue will host the Dallas Cowboys at the iconic MetLife Stadium.

What comes next will not be an easy task either. The Giants will visit SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams, followed by two consecutive home games against the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals, before hitting the road again for a divisional matchup in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders.

“Also, Malachi Fields has switched to [No.] 88,” Dan Duggan of The Athletic reported on the heels of Beckham Jr.’s confirmed return to No. 13. Entering the last week of the NFL preseason, players on the 53-man roster must choose their jersey numbers, as duplicates are no longer allowed.

Fields, who wore No. 0 throughout training camp and the preseason, could no longer be Agent Zero, as that number is taken by Giants EDGE Brian Burns. Now, he’s set up shop in No. 88, a number that is often synonymous with stardom among wide receivers.

Beckham Jr. back on 13 for Cowboys matchup

Odell Beckham Jr. promised a strong commitment after making the Giants’ 53-man roster, and his first game back at MetLife Stadium will be a special one. Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys in the Meadowlands rings a bell, doesn’t it?

On Nov. 23, 2014, on that same stage, Beckham Jr. went viral across the globe and became an NFL legend after pulling off an unforgettable one-handed catch for an impossible touchdown.

More than a decade later, he’s back, wearing Big Blue’s No. 13 jersey again, and he’ll have his first test of the season—and second New York stint of his career—against the same opponent that helped make him a household name 12 years ago. “OBJ back in 13,” the Giants wrote on social media.

Najee Harris’ number at stake

As things stand, the New York Giants have two players wearing No. 22: Najee Harris and Dru Phillips. The latter may have the advantage, as he’s been in New York longer, whereas Harris arrived recently. Harris has worn No. 22 throughout his career, dating back to his time at Alabama, but that may not be enough to win the tug-of-war against Phillips for the jersey.

“I have an opportunity to rewrite some of the last bit of the chapter,” Beckham Jr. revealed to the press. “Don’t know, last year, whatever it is, I just know I’m going to give my all. But definitely had that moment where it was like you could let out some of the pain that I feel like I went through. It was just very healing, very emotional, something I was very happy about.”

Whether OBJ will wear the Giants’ No. 13 jersey remains to be determined. What is certain, however, is that Odell will look to make an impact alongside the G-Men and put them in the conversation as contenders in the NFC East.

OBJ’s last stint with the Giants

In his final ride with Big Blue back in 2018, OBJ still put on a show despite missing the last four games with a quad injury. He racked up 77 receptions for 1,052 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns across 12 games, consistently making defenses look weak.

Plus, because he was just built differently, he even casually threw for two passing touchdowns that season. It was a classic high-octane Odell stretch right before he packed his bags for the Cleveland Browns.

OBJ will face healthy competition in the receiving corps

John Harbaugh ultimately decided to keep five receivers to take on what is expected to be a tough 2026 NFL season. Among them, Odell is somewhat behind the others, although his experience and talent could help him earn a more prominent role than expected.

Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, and Darnell Mooney will be the main options through the air for Jaxson Dart. Meanwhile, the aforementioned OBJ, as well as Darius Slayton, will have to be ready to step up and fulfill their duties when needed.

The Giants’ long-awaited debut

One of the teams generating the most excitement this season is undoubtedly the Giants. Harbaugh will make his debut in this new chapter of his career in a marquee matchup. It will take place on Sunday, September 13, against the Dallas Cowboys, in a Sunday Night Football game at MetLife Stadium.

However, with less than two weeks remaining before the Giants open the regular season at home against the Dallas Cowboys, the team’s No. 1 wideout—who is returning from a torn ACL in his right knee—is not committing to an immediate return.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Nabers was noncommittal regarding any specific return date, whether for Week 1 or otherwise. While he feels great, he still faces several physical checkpoints before knowing he is completely ready.

Nabers focused on health and mental readiness

Nabers is focused on returning as soon as possible. Despite taking risks and feeling ready to play, head coach John Harbaugh may ultimately decide to protect his health rather than rush him onto the field.

“My mind is focused on playing the regular season: playing whenever that happens,” Nabers said following Monday’s practice. “There are still some things you have to check off the list to participate. I’m still going through that, still listening to the trainers, still listening to the doctors and sharing everything with them.”

Nabers prefers to keep those specific health checkpoints private, though he corrected himself during media availability, from feeling “pretty good” to “really good, honestly.” Still, lingering doubts remain over whether his progress is enough to put him in uniform when the Cowboys arrive in town on the night of September 13 for their debut in the 2026-26 NFL season.

“That’s going to be a decision made when the time comes,” Nabers added. “There are certain things that, as a football player, you have to mentally prepare before going into a game where everyone is watching you, so if you make a mistake it’s broadcast to everyone. Nobody really knows, so I want to be able to go out there and not make mistakes, and just be able to move all over the field and do what I do. I’m getting there, without a doubt. I’m getting there.”

According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, the organization will treat Berrios as a full member of the roster. “Harbaugh said Braxton Berrios is their punt returner and they’ll treat him like a member of the 53-man roster,” Duggan reported. “Just utilizing a roster tool by carrying him on the practice squad.”

The Giants cut Berrios on Sunday ahead of the deadline to trim rosters down to 53 players, doing so with a handshake agreement to bring him back. As a vested veteran, Berrios does not have to pass through waivers. That allowed the Giants to retain another player who might have otherwise missed the cut and been subject to waivers, where he could have been claimed by another team.

Harbaugh’s roster decisions

A complicated decision for Harbaugh centers on how to utilize Berrios alongside wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Both Berrios and Hyatt were released during final cuts over the weekend, while veteran Odell Beckham Jr. earned a spot on the roster.

Hyatt, a third-round pick in 2023 who has struggled to gain traction in the NFL, was injured for most of the summer. He cleared waivers and returned to the practice field Monday wearing No. 13, while Beckham temporarily remained in No. 3.

Berrios is a veteran with a guaranteed contract who did not need to pass through the waiver process. He was released, knowing the Giants wanted to keep him as the primary punt returner. The team expects to elevate Berrios for the home opener and eventually incorporate him into the main roster.

Other players signed to the practice squad included receiver Dalen Cambre and quarterback Jake Haener. The 30-year-old Berrios signed a one-year contract as a free agent this NFL offseason. He has played in just 10 games over the past two years due to injuries and is entering his seventh professional season after previous stints with the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans.

Speaking to reporters after practice on Monday, OBJ said there “definitely will be some conversations” about getting Hyatt’s No. 13. “It would be an honor and a privilege to put that back on,” Beckham Jr. added.

OBJ used No.13 for all his initial five seasons with the Giants. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year and created plenty of highlights with that jersey. His three Pro Bowl selections came with that number too.

Jalin Hyatt’s stats with jersey No.13

Hyatt used the number ever since he got to the Giants. However, his stats are not as inspiring as OBJ’s. In fact, not even close. Hyatt had played 41 games and has 36 career-receptions for 470 yards.

If this is about meritocracy, OBJ is clearly the one deserving to choose the No.13. In fact, he actually made the 53-man roster, to which he reacted in a heartwarming way. Meanwhile, Hyatt looks like a player that will never live up to what the Giants hope he is.

But what matters here is that Beckham Jr., as an active roster player, has priority over Hyatt to get the number. Unless Hyatt is suddenly elevated from the practice squad or OBJ changes his mind, No. 13 will probably change its owner soon.

Why did the Giants bring Hyatt back?

The Giants brought Jalin Hyatt back onto their practice squad after he cleared waivers following final roster cuts. The team kept him around on the practice squad to continue developing his deep-threat speed without using an active 53-man roster spot.

However, after years of trying, one must wonder what is it that they see in Hyatt. He’s proven to not be the weapon the former third-round pick was supposed to be. At least for now, he’ll be in the practice squad.

“No number change yet for Odell. He won’t be able to wear No. 3 since Abdul Carter has that, so likely just a matter of time until he’s back in No. 13,” Dan Duggan of The Athletic wrote on X.

Abdul Carter has no plans to change his jersey number, and the only real obstacle in the way of Beckham Jr. claiming his trademark No. 13 jersey in New York isn’t even much of a hurdle. Although the Giants decided to part ways with Jalin Hyatt, the wideout is back, as he was signed to the practice squad.

Thus, the No. 13 Big Blue jersey isn’t exactly vacant, but it is technically up for grabs regardless. Simply put, Beckham Jr. has priority over Hyatt, or rather, any 53-man roster player has priority over a practice-squad member.

No official deadline for number change

It shouldn’t take long before Odell finalizes his number for the season, and all signs point toward No. 13. The No. 3 jersey isn’t available, leaving only one option, as the star wide receiver out of LSU has never worn another number in his pro career.

Usually, NFL players select their official numbers for each season after the massive roster cuts in the final week of the preseason. Throughout training camp and the preseason, rosters often feature duplicate numbers, as was the case with Beckham Jr. and Carter in New York.

With the 53-man rosters set, duplicate numbers are no longer allowed, and thus Beckham Jr. will have to change his jersey number. Most signs indicate it will happen in the coming days.

OBJ confirms jersey number change is coming

Beckham Jr. has admitted his wish to return to No. 13. During his latest media availability, Odell let Hyatt know his intentions regarding the Giants’ No. 13 jersey, and it’s safe to say Hyatt’s tenure holding that title is numbered.

The writing is on the wall: Beckham Jr. is back in East Rutherford, and it’s about to look a lot more like 2016 at MetLife Stadium again. The kid who inspired a generation and made one-handed catches the coolest thing in football is back as an adult in the Big Apple, and he will be taking his number back.

Beckham Jr. and Hyatt talk numbers

There will be a conversation between Beckham Jr. and Hyatt. It won’t necessarily be a request to give up his number, but rather a polite chat to let the P-squad member know what will happen next.

Back when Hyatt was drafted by New York with the 73rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Beckham Jr. sent a message to the player who was called to be his successor, wishing him luck in the Big Apple.

As fate would have it, Hyatt wouldn’t pan out in New York, and Beckham Jr. has been brought back, most likely to reclaim the No. 13 jersey, which has proven to be a weight on the shoulders of anyone who wore it. Like Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, only Beckham Jr. can bear it.

“The Giants did not get any players via waivers,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported on X. As noted by Dan Duggan of The Athletic, however, it’s unclear whether New York actually placed a claim on a player in the first place.

Because waivers are determined by team priority and there are no limits on how many players a team can target, there is a scenario in which the Giants tried claiming a player but were beaten to it by a franchise with a worse record last season. If that was the case, then New York did nothing wrong.

NY Giants add no player from waivers

However, some believe the G-Men may have overlooked players on waivers, making no claims and thus coming away empty-handed. Harbaugh and his staff may be confident in the 53-man roster—which Odell Beckham Jr. made—and that might be the silver lining. Regardless, believing the team won’t make any more changes might be too much wishful thinking, even for a team in the city where dreams are made.

Teams making waiver-wire additions are usually those that missed the playoffs the previous season. This year was no different, as the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots were the only 2025 playoff teams awarded waiver claims. Fifth overall in waiver order, it’s definitely surprising New York didn’t come away with a single player. To some, however, it’s an encouraging sign as it could indicate Harbaugh and company trust their current lineup enough.

Moreover, it’s not as if New York didn’t address its depth. While they didn’t sign any new player, the Giants did bring back players that were previously released. For example, Braxton Berrios and Jake Haener, who are among the players returning to a practice squad spot.

Positions NY Giants could have strengthened

“If Giants put in claims today, I think they’ll be for defensive tackle, maybe a cornerback or a developmental edge to add to that room,” NorthJersey’s Art Stapleton said prior to the waiver-wire deadline.

Joe Schoen had hinted the Giants would explore more roster additions, but that wasn’t the case. At least not through waivers. Maybe the G-Men have an ace up their sleeve, which they plan on using to work out a trade or sign a player in free agency.

Still, many devotees among the fanbase in The Big Apple can’t help but feel this was a big missed opportunity. Hopefully it won’t become a season-long trend for Big Blue in 2026. Others like the fact that Harbaugh is doubling down on his roster-cut day decisions and sticking with the lineup he put together. There is no right or wrong decision, or at least no way to tell which is better before Week 1 has even taken place. It all comes down to subjectivity.

It will be interesting to see what position John Harbaugh uses him at if needed. According to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan on X, the G-Men don’t have another viable punt returner on the roster, making this a potential role for Berrios.

Fate seems to be bringing both sides back together for the 2026 NFL season. In this league, second chances are often part of the game, and that is exactly what happened with this team, which has serious aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl.

More returns for the Giants

The moves on Harbaugh’s team went beyond the final roster cuts. According to insider Dan Duggan on his X account, six more players are returning to the Giants’ practice squad:

• WR Dalen Cambre
• WR Jalin Hyatt
• S Raheem Layne
• FB Grant Finley
• DL Josh Tupou
• QB Jake Haener

Dalen Cambre has had a strong preparation period alongside the rest of the team, so it makes sense that he has returned, although in a different role. Eventually, the receiving corps will need his help throughout the year, just like Jalin Hyatt, who fought until the very end to earn his spot.

Haener’s situation can be explained by the limited number of quarterbacks New York kept after the final roster cuts. The veteran will now be an option behind Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston if needed.

How the Giants’ receiving corps shaped up

The wait is finally over, and we now know which players will represent New York in the upcoming NFL season. Odell Beckham Jr. finally earned a spot on the Giants’ 53-man roster, which will feature five talented wide receivers.

Darius Muasau heads to Foxborough

Linebacker Darius Muasau was waived by the Giants and, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan on X, the New England Patriots have claimed him off waivers. The insider also added that New York did not claim any players through the waiver process.

The decision represents a disappointing conclusion for a player who arrived in New York with considerable expectations after becoming one of college football’s most explosive receivers at Tennessee.

Hyatt was selected by the Giants with the 73rd overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. New York viewed his speed and big-play ability as valuable additions to its offense, but he never developed into the consistent receiving threat the organization hoped to have.

Why are the Giants waiving Jalin Hyatt?

Jordan Schultz reported the Giants’ decision on Hyatt: “Sources: The Giants are going to waive WR Jalin Hyatt, as the former Tennessee standout and Biletnikoff winner will look for a fresh start.”

His production declined after an encouraging rookie season. Hyatt finished his first year with 23 receptions for 373 yards, but his numbers dropped significantly in the following seasons. That lack of development ultimately made it difficult for the Giants to justify keeping him in an increasingly crowded wide receiver room.

Jalin Hyatt never lived up to expectations

Jalin Hyatt’s speed was never the question. Coming out of Tennessee, he was known for his ability to stretch defenses vertically and create explosive plays. His college résumé also included the 2022 Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver. The Giants hoped that skill set would translate to the NFL.

Instead, Hyatt struggled to establish a consistent role in the offense. He leaves New York after recording just 36 receptions across his first three NFL seasons, according to available career statistics. For a player drafted 73rd overall, that production was not enough to secure a long-term place on the roster.

Giants’ crowded WR room sealed Hyatt’s fate

The decision becomes easier to understand when looking at the Giants’ wide receiver competition. New York added several experienced options during the offseason, while Odell Beckham Jr. earned his roster spot after an impressive summer.

Darnell Mooney also remained in the mix, while Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton are expected to play important roles. Calvin Austin III’s season-ending injury appeared to create an opportunity for Hyatt, but the Giants ultimately chose other options.

What comes next for Jalin Hyatt?

Jalin Hyatt will now look for a fresh start with another NFL team. His speed, college production and relatively young age could still make him an intriguing reclamation project for a team looking for a vertical threat.

The Giants, meanwhile, have decided that the best path forward is to move on. For Hyatt, the next opportunity could be his chance to show that the disappointing end to his Giants career does not define his NFL future.