Before ever being drafted by the New York Giants, Malik Nabers drew NFL player comparisons to former Giants star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Nabers has an innate ability to create separation at the top of his routes and already proved to be electrifying as a rookie. But more than just resembling Beckham in terms of production and play style as a rookie, Nabers is advocating for the return of the former Giants Pro Bowler.
On Wednesday, Beckham posted a picture of himself with his son on Instagram. In his caption, he reminisced about his days with the New York Giants. That's when Nabers responded with, 'We still got work to do.'
This wouldn't be the most shocking comeback story ever. Odell played for the Miami Dolphins last season, but only suited up for nine games, recording as many receptions for a mere 55 yards. Since the end of the 2021 season, Beckham has combined for just 44 receptions, 620 receiving yards, and three touchdowns.
While Beckham has been sitting in free agency for what seems like ages, the former star receiver has made no official retirement announcement. But fans who were hoping to see two great New York Giants receivers side by side in 2025 can stop holding their breath. Odell Beckham Jr. doesn't have anything left to offer.
The New York Giants must pass on Odell Beckham Jr. reunion
The last thing Joe Schoen and the front office can afford to do is let a 21-year-old wide receiver call the shots in the front office. Odell Beckham once looked like a generational talent for the New York Giants to begin his career, but that ship has long since sailed.
Beckham made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2014 when he recorded 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 12 games. Unfortunately, Beckham suffered a season-ending injury in his fourth season, and he's struggled to stay on the field ever since.
Ironically, Nabers also had a phenomenal rookie campaign, earning 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games. Though this impressive production should continue for Nabers, it certainly would not for Beckham if the Giants decided to bring him back.
Beckham is 32 years old and has only played more than nine games in a season twice since 2020. While he still had a bit of gas left in the tank for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, Beckham's once-elite athletic traits looked shot last season with the Dolphins.
Seeing the best receivers of the present and past generation join forces on the NY Giants sounds good in theory, but this wouldn't work out like fans would hope. The Giants already have better options on their roster, and they should leave Odell Beckham Jr. alone in free agency.