Odell Beckham Jr. had a big challenge in order to make the New York Giants 53-man roster. Despite the challenge, the wide receiver managed to impress coach John Harbaugh and became one of the five WRs they retained for the upcoming season.
On Wednesday’s episode of the “Pat McAfee Show,” analyst Peter Schrager discussed Beckham’s role on the Giants team in 2026.
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“I’ve been around Odell. He’s a superstar like no other in New York City,” Schrager said. “Even in 2026. He can go to Europe and there’s a 100 people who are going to follow him and take paparazzi shots. For him to just get his lunch pail, show up to camp and say, ‘I’m gonna earn my spot on this team and I’m going to do it playing whatever role you need,’ says a lot about him, but also about Harbaugh and what they’re building there.
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“You look at that wide receiver room, this isn’t some novelty act or some feel good story so that they can sell a couple of jerseys. They need him to be good. Like he needs to perform. And the fact that he might end up being the three, maybe two at some point, makes me a little concerned about the wide receiver room.”
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In addition to Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants retained Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, Darius Slayton and Darnell Mooney. Nabers is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last September. However, questions remain about his potential Week 1 return.
Odell Beckham Jr. began his NFL journey with the Giants when they drafted him with the No. 12 pick in 2014. He spent five seasons and posted 5,476 yards on 390 receptions and 44 touchdowns before joining the Browns in 2019. The wide receiver won his first Super Bowl with the Rams during the 2021 season.
In 2024, Beckham joined the Miami Dolphins and made nine appearances before being waived in Dec. 2024. He did not play last season and re-signed with the Giants in April.
Darius Slayton shares his thoughts on Odell Beckham Jr.’s return to the Giants
During Tuesday’s press conference, wide receiver Darius Slayton was asked to share his thoughts on becoming Odell Beckham Jr.’s teammate.
“I think it’s a beautiful thing for him to come back here,” Slayton said. “Obviously, the fan love him. If you’re a football fan, you probably love him because he was such an iconic player. It’s definitely awesome to see him get his chance to come back.”
The Giants drafted Slayton with the No. 171 pick in 2019. In seven seasons, he recorded 4,435 yards on 296 receptions and 22 touchdowns.
Edited by Priyam Hazarika
