Let New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. serve as perfect proof of why the cliché about “assuming” is such a popular phrase.
When the Giants signed Beckham on June 1, the immediate takeaway was that he’d likely make the 53-man roster. Not only was it a well-received reunion story, but the three-time Pro Bowler had played for Giants coach John Harbaugh in Baltimore.
Well, shows what we know. Beckham had a mixed training camp before recording two catches for six yards against the Vikings. Although the MetLife Stadium crowd showered him with cheers, they didn’t get to see him make the flashy plays that defined his first five seasons in New York.
Beckham’s losses have proved to be veteran slot receiver Braxton Berrios’ gain, and The Athletic’s Charlotte Carroll included the latter among those who boosted their stock last Saturday afternoon. The 30-year-old Berrios had a 9-yard catch, returned two punts for 30 yards, and was also called for a holding penalty.
“But there are only so many roster spots, and Berrios has emerged as a likely candidate to secure one given his versatility on special teams,” Carroll wrote. ($)
Could Braxton Berrios make the New York Giants’ roster over Odell Beckham Jr.?
In fairness, that’s not necessarily the right way to view this situation. On the one hand, yes, Berrios and Beckham are obviously competing for a roster spot. But both provide a different sort of value, largely because of Berrios’ special teams skillset.
Those who didn’t let the thought of OBJ 2.0 erase their common sense will remember the most significant strikes against Beckham leading up to his signing. Not only has he not played since December 2024, but he’s been average at best since his 2020 knee injury.
The fanbase — and arguably Harbaugh and Joe Schoen — allowed Beckham’s Pro Bowls and viral catches to supersede the reality that he’s a 33-year-old receiver with a lengthy injury history. When the Giants finished OTAs in June, there was considerable hype understandably surrounding Beckham and the impact he could provide, especially with Malik Nabers’ lingering knee problems.
Nabers has since returned to practice, and rookie Malachi Fields impressed against the Vikings. Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Austin III all appear to be locks to make the Week 1 roster, leaving at max two spots. If push comes to shove, then it’s difficult to imagine Beckham earning that spot over Berrios.
Harbaugh hasn’t indicated whether the Giants are open to carrying seven receivers, with Berrios primarily playing special teams. That’d potentially allow Beckham to stick around, though the safer play might be to keep him on the practice squad.
Saturday’s clash with the Dolphins in Miami could be Beckham’s last chance, and we expect him to ensure we delay the conversation about cutting him. Given that he played for the Dolphins and has a history with South Florida, anything less would be a monumental disappointment.
Add us as a preferred source on Google