Odell Beckham Jr. ‘never wanted to leave’ New York, ‘hoping for the best’ in a potential Giants reunion

The New York Giants have a renewed need at receiver following Gunner Olszewski’s recent torn Achilles tendon. All eyes turn to Odell Beckham.

The former Giants star attended Brian Burns’ charity softball game over the weekend, signing autographs for fans and speaking to the New York Post’s Brandon London about the possibility of returning to his first NFL club.

“It’s a place I never wanted to leave,” Beckham said, “and it’s just a special place in my heart, just to see all of these Big Blue jerseys — just hoping for the best.”

Beckham worked out for the Giants earlier this offseason, and new coach John Harbaugh didn’t dismiss the idea of adding the veteran receiver, but noted it needed to be right for “both parties.”

The Giants held a WR workout on Monday, and Beckham was one of those in attendance. New York agreed to a one-year deal with veteran Braxton Berrios, per ESPN. Berrios is a natural fit to replace Olszewski following a potential season-ending injury.

Anthony Miller and JuJu Smith-Schuster also worked out for the Giants on Monday, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. We’ll see if the Giants have any more moves to make at receiver. (EDITOR’S NOTE: New York indeed signed Beckham later on Monday.)

Beckham, 33, didn’t play at all in 2025 after receiving a six-game PED ban. He said the time away has made him appreciate the game more.

“I think you just rely on the things you always rely on, which is my faith,” Beckham said. “And, you know, God has a place of special purpose and journey for me, and just being able to spend that time away, just made me realize some things. You know, I left some things unfinished.”