Former Giants superstar’s downward spiral deepens with latest release

Odell Beckham Jr.'s career has turned 180 degrees since leaving New York.
Dallas Cowboys v New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys v New York Giants / Al Bello/GettyImages
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Once upon a time, Odell Beckham Jr. was the toast of New York. Remember the iconic one-handed catch against Dallas in 2014? Yeah, we all had that picture on our walls. Beckham wasn’t just the Giants’ biggest star—he was one of the NFL’s brightest.

Fast-forward to today and things aren’t quite the same. After a string of underwhelming stints with Cleveland, Los Angeles (he did win a Super Bowl), Baltimore, and most recently, Miami, Beckham’s career feels like a cautionary tale of what could’ve been. He's a journeyman.

Let’s call it like it is: OBJ hasn’t been the same since leaving the Giants in 2018. Sure, there were flashes—his playoff heroics with the Rams come to mind—but the consistency that made him elite? Gone. Injuries, questionable landing spots, and Father Time have taken their toll. His latest stop in Miami was a disaster. Nine catches for 55 yards in nine games? That’s not what anyone expected from the OBJ.

The lore of Odell Beckham Jr. will rival that of Sasquatch and the Lockness Monster

When Beckham was traded from the Giants after five seasons, it was the end of an era. In New York, he was more than just a receiver; he was a game-changer. His speed, athleticism, and swagger electrified fans every Sunday. But after his trade to Cleveland, it was clear that the magic didn’t make the trip.

Cleveland never felt like the right fit for Beckham. He struggled to find chemistry with Baker Mayfield and battled injuries that kept him off the field. The numbers tell the story: in three seasons with the Browns, he managed just seven touchdowns. That’s the same number he had in his rookie year alone.

Then came the Rams, where he found redemption—or at least, a sliver of it. Beckham played a key role in their Super Bowl run, catching a touchdown in the big game before tearing his ACL. It was his last great moment. Since then? A quiet season with the Ravens and now an even quieter stint in Miami.

At 32 years old, Beckham’s future in the NFL is uncertain. He’s no longer the explosive playmaker who could take over games, but he might still have value as a depth piece for a playoff contender. The issue is whether teams see enough upside to take the chance.

For Giants fans, it’s hard not to reflect on how special his time in New York was. Beckham’s decline since leaving the team is a stark reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL. The player we once knew is a far cry from the one we see today.

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