Odell Beckham Jr. Completes His Journey Back to New York Giants’ Roster

POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — Odell Beckham Jr. has been included in the New York Giants’ 53-man roster, a notable achievement for the 33-year-old wide receiver as he rejoins the team that launched his NFL career.

Beckham demonstrated significant improvement throughout training camp and proved his capabilities in preseason games, where he accumulated seven catches for 76 yards across three matches, including three receptions for 53 yards in the final preseason game against the Jets.

I poured my heart into it, Beckham remarked following the game. I’m incredibly thankful for this chance, this journey. it is been a challenging couple of years, stepping back and contemplating life’s next steps. The mental struggles we face and overcoming them.

Coach John Harbaugh praised Beckham’s performance, highlighting his strong finish to camp. He’s looked impressive and made several key plays, Harbaugh noted.

Beckham had been away from football last season, which included a six-game suspension for a failed performance-enhancing drug test. His last game was on December 8, 2024, with the Miami Dolphins, where he played nine games and recorded nine catches for 55 yards before being waived on December 13.

After a period out of the league and serving his suspension, Beckham resumed training this spring. He auditioned for the Giants in April, signed in June, and recognized early on that he would need to earn his place on the roster.

When asked about his significance to the team post-Jets game, Beckham responded, “Everything.” He shared a touching moment involving his son at the game, which motivated him further.

The opportunity for Beckham arose following a season-ending knee injury to Calvin Austin. Return specialist Braxton Berrios is being released but is anticipated to return before the season opener on September 13 against Dallas. If Beckham plays, it will be his first home game in a Giants uniform since December 2, 2018.

Originally drafted 12th by the Giants in 2014, Beckham spent his first five seasons with the team before being traded to Cleveland in 2019. He surpassed 1,000 yards receiving four times with New York.

Beckham, who wore No. 3 during camp, is expected to reclaim his familiar No. 13 jersey after wideout Jalin Hyatt was cut. Hyatt, a third-round pick in 2023, was let go after three seasons without a touchdown catch.

Offensive lineman Evan Neal, selected seventh in 2022, also failed to make the roster despite being re-signed by the new coaching staff.

Veteran Darius Slayton joins Beckham, Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, and rookie Malachi Fields as the five receivers who made the cut.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)