Odell Beckham Jr. was released by the Giants on Tuesday, ending a brief second stint with the franchise that yielded zero catches and just 20 offensive snaps across three games. Giants coach John Harbaugh addressed the roster move on Wednesday, telling reporters that the team simply wasn’t getting enough production from the veteran wide receiver.
John Harbaugh Explains the Decision to Release OBJ
Harbaugh addressed the abrupt roster cut during a Wednesday press session, pushing back against outside speculation while confirming the move came down to on-field output. The coach noted that the team had hoped to get Beckham more involved in the offense, but the numbers never materialized.
“We just weren’t getting enough, you know? It just wasn’t working for us,” Harbaugh told reporters. “And like I told him, I wanted to be able to get more. I wanted him to be able to do more. I wanted to get him on the field more. We just, whatever reason, we weren’t able to do it. Put it on us. We weren’t able to get it done.”
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When asked why the team pulled the plug so quickly after just three games, Harbaugh pointed to the realities of managing a 53-man roster. The Giants needed more production out of that specific spot, particularly because Beckham was too deep on the depth chart to avoid contributing on special teams. Braxton Berrios and Charlie Jones filled the need for depth players capable of contributing in the third phase when offensive snaps were limited.
Addressing Fan Chants and Conspiracy Theories
The release arrived just two days after fans at MetLife Stadium chanted “OBJ! OBJ!” during a win over the Titans, urging the coaching staff to give No. 13 more opportunities in a stagnant offense. Harbaugh bristled at suggestions that the fan attention played any role in the decision to cut the 33-year-old receiver.
“It’s what’s best for the team. That’s it. “It’s nothing more than that. It’s not doing enough for our offense. It’s not doing enough for our team.”
Harbaugh also dismissed comparisons to political scandals, telling reporters, “It’s not Watergate.”
Beckham’s Reaction and Immediate Roster Changes
Joe Ruback, a Giants superfan known as License Plate Guy, stated on the New York Revival podcast that Beckham was just as surprised by the release as the fanbase. Ruback noted that Beckham did not ask for his release and intends to continue his career with another organization rather than accept a spot on the practice squad.
The organization wasted no time reassigning Beckham’s old jersey number. Number 13 was immediately issued to quarterback Jake Haener, whose previous number, 18, was claimed by backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Release
Why did the Giants release Odell Beckham Jr.?
Coach John Harbaugh stated that the team wasn’t getting enough production out of the roster spot, noting that Beckham played only 20 snaps and recorded zero catches through the first three games.
Did Odell Beckham Jr. ask to be released?
No. According to Giants superfan Joe Ruback, who spoke with Beckham prior to the announcement, the veteran wide receiver was entirely surprised by the decision and did not request his release.
What happened to Beckham’s jersey number?
The Giants quickly reissued jersey No. 13 to quarterback Jake Haener.
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