Odell Beckham Jr. has officially made the New York Giants' 53-man roster, completing a comeback to the franchise where he first rose to NFL stardom.
Beckham's ability to hold up through the rigors of training camp was a key factor in his inclusion. The 33-year-old receiver, whose career has been marked by significant physical challenges, demonstrated enough during the preseason to earn one of the backup wide receiver positions. He missed the entirety of the previous season and made a limited contribution to the Dolphins in 2024, recording just nine receptions.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh indicated Beckham's roster spot was likely after he participated in 33 snaps during the team's preseason finale against the Jets. "I think he has done enough to make an NFL roster, for sure," Harbaugh stated. "He’s played well, and he’s gotten better as his camp has gone along. He deserves credit for that. He’s done a really good job with it."
Beckham's odds of making the roster were bolstered by the season-ending torn ACL suffered by Calvin Austin III and a perceived dissatisfaction with longtime starter Darius Slayton. The Giants had initially been hesitant to sign Beckham to a minimum contract in May, considering the potential optics of releasing a former franchise icon.
Beckham himself expressed a desire to contribute beyond just making the team, acknowledging he is no longer the same dominant receiver he was prior to his departure from the Giants in 2019. "I know there’s plays to be made," Beckham said following the preseason finale.
Beckham's return also raises questions about jersey numbers. While Jalin Hyatt wore his old No. 13 through the preseason, he has been sidelined by injury and is considered a long shot to make the final roster. Beckham, who would need to relinquish his current No. 3 to pass-rusher Abdul Carter, may have the opportunity to reclaim his iconic No. 13.