EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants released franchise icon and fan favorite Odell Beckham Jr. this week, ending a comeback by the veteran wide receiver that had captivated many in the fan base.
“We just weren’t getting enough. It just wasn’t working for us. I told him I wanted to be able to get more. I wanted to be able to do more, get him on the field more. Whatever the reason, we weren’t able to do it. Put it on us. We weren’t able to get it done, but at this point in time, that’s kind
of where we were, and we needed to move on.”
Beckham, 34, made the roster after being out of football in 2025. He had just one target and no receptions over three games while playing just 20 offensive snaps.
Beckham played for Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, and the coach has tremendous respect for the player. He admitted it was “tough” to tell him the Giants were moving on.
“I did hope he would get more chances, and he didn’t,” Harbaugh said. “That’s where we stood, so I felt like that being the case, we’re not going to be able to get it done roster spot-wise. We need more out of that spot, and that’s what we’re going to do. Nothing about Odell, nothing that he could do in that sense.
“It’s just we weren’t able to get it done, make it fit, make it work, whatever you want to call it, and I was hoping we could, and we didn’t.”
The Giants’ use a lot of heavy formations with multiple tight ends and fullback Patrick Ricard. Only three receivers — Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, and Darnell Mooney — are getting consistent snaps.
“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,” Harbaugh said. “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.
“We didn’t think it would make us better or we’d of had him on the field.“We didn’t think it would make us better or we’d of had him on the field. That’s really the end of the conversation. That’s it.
“I hope he lands somewhere. I mean, he’s a great friend.I love the guy and, you know, I hope he lands somewhere. He gets a shot … It just wasn’t working here and that’s really, that’s all that needs to be said.”
