Beckham made the Giants’ initial 53-man roster after an emotional return to New York, but his opportunities on the field were limited. He played just 20 offensive snaps across three games, received only one target and finished his stint with the team without a reception. The Giants ultimately decided they needed more production from the roster spot, ending Beckham’s second chapter with the franchise before Week 5.

The decision disappointed fans who had hoped Beckham could recapture some of the magic from his first stint in New York. Head coach John Harbaugh explained that the coaching staff had hoped to involve the receiver more, but the plan simply did not work. Beckham later expressed his frustration with how the situation unfolded, suggesting that he felt the team had given him an opportunity that ultimately prevented him from exploring other options earlier in the season.

What’s Odell Beckham Jr.’s New Team?

Odell Beckham Jr. has already found another opportunity in the NFL, signing with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad on October 7. Minnesota subsequently elevated him to the active roster for its Week 5 game against the New Orleans Saints, giving the veteran receiver a chance to make his debut with his new team. The move came as the Vikings dealt with injury concerns involving wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

The Vikings have several connections that could help Beckham settle in quickly. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips worked with him during his time with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, when Beckham helped the team win Super Bowl LVI. He also has a relationship with Jefferson, another potential benefit as he attempts to establish himself in Minnesota’s passing attack.

Beckham’s departure from New York was accompanied by public comments from both sides. Harbaugh said the Giants simply were not getting enough production from the receiver and took responsibility for the lack of opportunities, explaining: “Put it on us. We weren’t able to get it done.” Beckham, meanwhile, shared his disappointment on social media after the release, saying the decision hurt him and that he felt he could have been playing elsewhere. Now with the Vikings, he has a fresh opportunity to prove he can still contribute at the NFL level.

Key takeaways

• Odell Beckham Jr. won’t play for Giants against Commanders.
• The wide receiver was released by New York.
• The Minnesota Vikings signed OBJ this week.

Beckham has quickly learned Minnesota’s offense and established chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray after signing with the Vikings earlier this week, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. “Sources say Odell Beckham Jr. has quickly picked up the #Vikings’ offense and has developed a good connection with Kyler Murray as well. It’s a pretty cool homecoming for OBJ, who grew up in New Orleans.”

Beckham joined Minnesota on Wednesday following his surprise release from the New York Giants last Tuesday. His quick turnaround gives him an opportunity to make an impact only days after joining a Vikings team that has opened the season with four consecutive victories.

Beckham’s debut with the Vikings

The matchup also carries additional significance for Beckham. The veteran receiver grew up in New Orleans before starring at LSU and beginning an NFL career that has included stops with several teams, making this a significant return.

While Beckham‘s role in his Vikings debut remains to be seen, his early connection with Murray could allow Minnesota to incorporate him into the offense sooner than expected. The 33-year-old gives the Vikings another experienced option in their receiving corps as they attempt to remain unbeaten.

The confidence behind Beckham comes with clear reasons. Beckham largely dominated the NFL during his first stint with the Giants (2014-2018). He made three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro Second Teams and posted 1,000+ yards in every season except 2017, which ended early due to a fractured left ankle.

The Vikings (4-0) will look to extend their hot start when visiting New Orleans (1-3) in Week 5. Beckham could make his Vikings debut in his hometown as Minnesota seeks its fifth consecutive victory to open the 2026 season.

Key takeaways

• Odell Beckham Jr. was elevated from the practice squad by the Minnesota Vikings.
• Kyler Murray established quick chemistry with Odell Beckham Jr. in Minnesota.
• Week 5 features Minnesota (4-0) visiting New Orleans (1-3) for Beckham’s potential debut.

The decision comes as Minnesota deals with uncertainty surrounding its top two wide receivers. Justin Jefferson is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, while Jordan Addison carries the same designation because of a hamstring issue. With both players potentially unavailable, the Vikings are preparing for different scenarios as they look to maintain their offensive production.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported the move, explaining that Beckham’s elevation provides additional insurance for Minnesota’s receiving corps. The former New York Giants star recently joined the Vikings after being released by his previous team, and his familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell from their time with the Los Angeles Rams could help him adapt quickly if called upon.

Will Odell Beckham Jr. play for Vikings vs Saints?

Pelissero confirmed that Minnesota has elevated Beckham to its active roster for Sunday’s game, but he emphasized that the receiver’s participation has not yet been determined. The move gives the Vikings another option at wide receiver while they wait for clarity on Jefferson and Addison, both of whom remain questionable on the final injury report.

“The Vikings are elevating WR Odell Beckham Jr. from the practice squad for Sunday’s game at New Orleans, per sources. Still TBD if OBJ will play. But the move provides insurance with both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison listed as questionable.”

Beckham’s potential role will depend largely on the availability of Minnesota’s leading receivers. Jefferson missed the Vikings’ previous game while recovering from his ankle injury, and Addison has also been managing his hamstring problem. If either player cannot suit up, Beckham could provide valuable depth for quarterback Kyler Murray, who would benefit from having another experienced target available against New Orleans.

The move also represents another opportunity for Beckham to revive his NFL career after a brief and unproductive return to the Giants. He recorded no catches on one target across three games with New York before his release, but his experience and previous connection with O’Connell offer Minnesota a low-risk option. Whether Beckham makes his Vikings debut on Sunday remains to be seen, but the team has taken the necessary step to make him available if needed.

Key takeaways

• The Vikings elevated Odell Beckham Jr. from the practice squad before playing New Orleans.
• Receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are both questionable with injuries.
• Beckham recorded zero catches on one target across three games with the Giants.

Beckham emphasized the importance of having a coach who genuinely believes in him, pointing to head coach Kevin O’Connell as a key reason why the opportunity came together. They already worked together with the Rams. While he did not directly criticize the Giants, his remarks could be interpreted as a contrast with his experience in New York, where opportunities to make an impact were limited.

“He had extreme confidence and belief (O’Connell). It’s always good to be somewhere where you want it. He was the one who reached out and kind of made this whole thing happen. It seemed as if he wanted me to be here. It always feels better when you’re doing it for somebody where it feels like their heart is there for it as well.”

Why did the Giants release Odell Beckham Jr.?

Odell Beckham’s comments are particularly notable because of what John Harbaugh previously said about his role in New York. The Giants head coach acknowledged that the team had not given the veteran receiver enough opportunities, taking responsibility for how the situation unfolded rather than placing the blame solely on the player. There was nothing wrong at practice with the veteran.

Harbaugh summed up that accountability with a brief statement: “put it on us.” His explanation suggested that the coaching staff recognized Beckham had not been put in a position to make the kind of impact the team had hoped for when he joined the organization.

With the Vikings, Beckham appears to have found a situation in which the head coach actively pushed to bring him aboard. His words about wanting to play for someone whose commitment feels genuine may therefore be seen as a subtle contrast with his time with the Giants, even though he stopped short of directly criticizing Harbaugh or New York. Minnesota now offers him another opportunity to show what he can do when he feels the organization is fully invested in him.

Key takeaways

• Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Minnesota Vikings after feeling genuinely wanted by Kevin O’Connell.
• Giants head coach John Harbaugh took full responsibility for Odell Beckham Jr.’s limited role, saying “put it on us.”
• Odell Beckham Jr. expressed appreciation for playing under a coach whose heart is fully invested.

The other two main weapons Kyler Murray has at his disposal through the air are Jordan Addison and veteran Jauan Jennings, who most recently played for the San Francisco 49ers. Further down the receiving corps are Tai Felton and Myles Price.

The Vikings added not only experience, but also a key piece to their passing-game rotation. Beckham Jr. gets a chance at redemption after being released by the G-Men, and he will look to earn more playing time in this new chapter of his career.

OBJ’s departure from the Giants

Odell Beckham Jr.’s hope of wearing a Giants uniform again lasted only a moment. Although the wide receiver did make the final 53-man roster for this season, his stay in East Rutherford lasted only a handful of games.

His limited playing time, combined with the number and quality of receivers ahead of him in New York, led John Harbaugh and his staff to make the decision to release the veteran. Now, under the guidance of O’Connell, who knows him from his time with the Los Angeles Rams, he has a new opportunity in his career.

When could OBJ make his debut?

Following their Week 4 win over Miami, the Minnesota Vikings’ next three games include a Week 5 road matchup against the New Orleans Saints on October 11, followed by a Week 6 bye before returning home to host the Indianapolis Colts on October 25.

They then hit the road again to take on the Detroit Lions in a division clash on November 1. If Odell Beckham Jr. gets activated by Minnesota, he could realistically make his debut as early as the Saints game, though the Week 7 matchup against Indianapolis after the bye week provides an ideal window to get fully up to speed with the offense.

Key takeaways

• The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to strengthen their depth chart.
• The New York Giants released Odell Beckham Jr. due to limited playing time.
• Odell Beckham Jr. could debut as early as October 11 against the Saints.

The move comes after Beckham’s second stint with the Giants lasted only three games. New York released the 33-year-old after he played just 20 offensive snaps and recorded only one target without making a catch. The decision was especially notable because Beckham had made the Giants’ initial 53-man roster after returning to the team that drafted him in 2014.

Schultz reported that the Vikings were immediately interested in Beckham and believe he could provide another element to an offense that has helped Minnesota begin the season with a perfect 4-0 record. His existing relationship with Justin Jefferson could also make the transition to Minnesota more appealing as the veteran receiver looks for another opportunity.

Which team signed Odell Beckham Jr.?

The Vikings are signing Odell Beckham Jr. Schultz was the first to report the shocking move, explaining that Minnesota quickly made contact after his release from New York and believe he can provide some much-needed energy to the offense.

“BREAKING: Odell Beckham Jr. is signing with the Vikings, per sources. The Vikings reached out to Odell Beckham Jr. immediately after the Giants moved on and showed significant interest. Despite a 4-0 start, the offense has needed some juice. And OBJ will try to help bring that. His relationship with Justin Jefferson is a plus, as well.”

However, there is an important distinction to the initial report. Adam Schefter subsequently clarified that Beckham is being signed to the Vikings’ practice squad, meaning this is not yet an addition to Minnesota’s active roster. The Vikings will have an opportunity to work with Beckham and evaluate how he fits before potentially elevating him for a game.

For Beckham, the move represents a quick turnaround after an unexpected ending in New York. He was reportedly surprised by the Giants’ decision to release him, but he now has another chance with an undefeated Vikings team that is looking for more production and explosiveness on offense. His connection with Jefferson could also give Minnesota an intriguing veteran presence as the season continues.

Key takeaways

• Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after his New York Giants release.
• Beckham played just 20 offensive snaps without a catch during three games with New York.
• Insider Adam Schefter clarified that Beckham is joining Minnesota’s practice squad, not active roster.

“John Harbaugh said the Giants are primarily going to look for WR help from within,” as reported by Jordan Raanan of ESPN. “They have Charlie Jones as the returner with Braxton Berrios likely missing some time. They have Jalin Hyatt and Dalen Cambre on the practice squad.”

As initially expected, the Giants will try out their options already in East Rutherford before looking into free agency and the trade market. Because Berrios virtually has no role on offense and is purely a special teams player, the G-Men don’t have any need to go after a big name to bolster the position. They hope to make do with what they already have.

Sad ending to OBJ’s time in New York

After the offseason-long saga around Beckham Jr. and his return to the Big Apple, not many saw such an abrupt ending coming. Even if Beckham Jr. barely played any snaps in the 2026 NFL season, the fans in New York thought the organization would keep him around. However, the NFL is a cold business, and what doesn’t help a team win can be cast aside. Even a fan favorite of Odell’s caliber.

The way things ended between the two sides complicated a potential return after Berrios’ injury. Perhaps Beckham Jr. will someday have a third chapter in NYC, but it probably won’t be too soon. Based on Odell’s reaction to being cut, however, the bridge may have been burned completely.

Beckham Jr.’s statement

“I’m super smart! But I didn’t see this one my brother! They got me! They won on top of the money you talking about I made them. I came in humbly, took vet minimum then earned my spot and didn’t say nothing about no money which I know make for everybody. I will tell you this, I’m a grown man and this (expletive) didn’t hurt me, but it did when they cut me like that because part of me is like I should’ve known better,” Odell Beckham Jr. replied to a post on Instagram.

“Now let me tell you the real deal truth what 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 talking about my job and jersey number 13. [That] broke me down. Funny thing about that is he said he likes 3 better and I find that very interesting… but again there was no real pain until you get home and your son gives you that hug like ‘I don’t care what happened daddy you’re the best and I love you… nothing better than that.

But yeah I don’t know why they even gave me the run along, I could’ve really been playing this year somewhere and making a impact and I mean that from a person who is humbled by God and life, so all I’m doing is getting ready for whatever God has for me and spreading love in the meantime.“

Key takeaways

• Head coach John Harbaugh stated the Giants will primarily seek wide receiver help from within.
• New York has Jalin Hyatt and Dalen Cambre on their practice squad.
• Odell Beckham Jr. expressed heartbreak over explaining his release to his young son.

Berrios’ injury also led to a change in roles for some players on the roster. According to insider Jordan Raanan on X, Charlie Jones will now take over punt and kickoff return duties.

As for OBJ, it remains to be seen what the next chapter of his career will look like during this stretch of the season. After being released by the Giants days ago, the wide receiver is still looking for a new opportunity with another team in the league.

What does the Giants’ WR depth chart look like after Berrios’ injury?

Berrios was one of the players the G-Men’s staff targeted when putting together the roster, primarily serving as an alternative to Darnell Mooney. His temporary absence now leaves a depleted wide receiver room with few options available.

The possibility of promoting players from the practice squad remains on the table, with the aforementioned Jalin Hyatt and Dalen Cambre among the available options. Which of them will have the opportunity to take on a bigger role with the team?

OBJ’s future in the NFL

Odell Beckham Jr. remains an intriguing plug-and-play target for receiver-needy teams looking to patch up their depth. If injuries continue to pile up across the league, potential landing spots could logically include the San Francisco 49ers—who are always battling pass-catcher attrition in their high-powered scheme—along with the Washington Commanders.

Additionally, teams like the Cincinnati Bengals or Carolina Panthers could emerge as desperate suitors if recent bumps and bruises to their starting options force them to hunt for veteran help on a team-friendly deal.

Key takeaways

• Braxton Berrios placed on IR with a foot injury following New York’s victory over Arizona.
• Charlie Jones will assume punt and kickoff return duties.
• Former wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. remains unlikely to rejoin the franchise.

Beckham’s return initially generated plenty of excitement after he earned a roster spot following his comeback attempt with the Giants. However, that momentum quickly faded as opportunities became limited and his performances failed to establish him as a consistent part of New York’s offensive plans.

John Harbaugh’s decision ultimately came down to roster construction. With the Giants choosing not to dedicate as many roster spots to wide receivers, Beckham became the player who was let go as the coaching staff determined that the roster spot could provide more value elsewhere.

Why did the Giants release Odell Beckham Jr.?

John Harbaugh explained that the Giants simply did not believe Odell Beckham Jr. was doing enough to justify keeping him on the 53-man roster. The decision was not about one isolated moment, but rather an overall evaluation of what the team needed and how it wanted to allocate its roster spots.

The Giants also recognized that Beckham had not received as many opportunities as the coaching staff initially hoped. Harbaugh took responsibility for that part of the situation, acknowledging that the coaching staff could have done more to get the veteran receiver involved before ultimately deciding to move on.

That made the decision particularly difficult after the excitement surrounding Beckham’s return. The Giants had given fans a reason to believe that OBJ could contribute in his second stint with the franchise, but the reunion never developed into the type of storyline many expected.

New York ultimately decided that carrying fewer wide receivers would give the roster more flexibility at other positions. Beckham was the casualty of that decision, despite his history with the organization and the attention his return generated.

Beckham is now a free agent and can sign with another team that believes it has a role for him. His Giants reunion may not have worked out as hoped, but the veteran wide receiver could still have an opportunity to continue his NFL career elsewhere.

Key takeaways

• Odell Beckham Jr. was released before the Giants’ Week 4 game against Arizona.
• John Harbaugh decided to cut him to free up 53-man roster space.
• He is now a free agent and eligible to sign with another team.

The question was particularly relevant because Beckham had been viewed as an experienced option who could potentially provide a spark in the red zone. Instead, the Giants ultimately determined that keeping him on the 53-man roster was not going to make the offense better, leading to his release.

Harbaugh’s response made it clear that the decision was not based on one specific play or isolated moment. According to the Giants head coach, the coaching staff simply did not believe Beckham was helping the offense enough to justify keeping him on the field, even with the team struggling to score touchdowns.

Why Odell Beckham Jr. was released by Giants

When the reporter asked why Odell Beckham Jr. was not given a chance to help the Giants get into the end zone before being released, John Harbaugh immediately rejected the premise of the question and offered a blunt explanation.

“It’s not a logic. We’re not having a high school debate. It wasn’t working for us. We didn’t think it would make us better or we’d have had him on the field. That’s really the end of the conversation. That’s it. That’s where we go. And Odell, I hope he lands somewhere. He’s a great friend. I love the guy. I hope he lands somewhere, gets a shot. I think he’s determined to. Probably will be a better situation for him. It just wasn’t working here. That’s all that needs to be said.”

The comments reinforce what Harbaugh had previously said about Beckham’s situation. The Giants were not convinced that his presence was improving the offense, and his limited role ultimately became a major factor in the decision to move on. Harbaugh also made clear that there was no personal issue between the two, describing Beckham as a great friend and saying that he hopes the veteran gets another opportunity elsewhere.

For Beckham, the release now opens the door to finding a team where he could have a more significant role. For the Giants, Harbaugh’s latest comments suggest the coaching staff had already reached its conclusion: if Beckham was not making the offense better, there was little reason to continue forcing the situation.

Harbaugh suggested that there were multiple factors involved but made it clear that he does not believe those details need to become public. Rather than pointing to one specific problem with Beckham, the Giants coach described the situation as something more subtle that simply did not translate into enough opportunities during games.

The comments provide additional context for a decision that had already raised questions around Beckham’s role with the Giants. Harbaugh previously said the team was not getting enough from the veteran receiver, and his latest explanation indicates that the issue was more complicated than a single incident or performance.

John Harbaugh explains why OBJ wasn’t playing more with Giants

When asked why Odell Beckham Jr. was not playing much while he was still on the roster and whether there was something happening in practice that fans did not see, John Harbaugh declined to provide specific details.

“There’s a lot of layers to it. It’s not really anything that I feel any need to have to get into with everybody. It’s not public. It’s not information that really matters. It’s very subtle. It just wasn’t the best thing for our offense, as it turned out. When they’re putting the game plan together, as plays are getting called in the game. If it doesn’t feel like to the coaches that it’s the best thing, then it’s not working. It doesn’t have to be one or two reasons. It just isn’t happening. And that’s the reason. That’s where it stops.”

Harbaugh’s explanation suggests Beckham’s limited role was the result of how the coaching staff viewed the offensive fit rather than one clearly identifiable incident. The coach also emphasized that decisions made during game planning and play calling ultimately reflected what the staff believed gave the Giants the best chance offensively.

That evaluation eventually contributed to Beckham’s release, with Harbaugh previously acknowledging that the Giants wanted to get more from him but were unable to do so. Now, the Giants have moved on, while Beckham will look for another opportunity to continue his NFL career.

Key takeaways

• The New York Giants released Odell Beckham Jr.
• John Harbaugh explained there was nothing wrong at practice with OBJ.
• Harbaugh admitted the Giants couldn’t provide more opportunities for Beckham.