NFL

John Harbaugh backs Odell Beckham Jr. for Giants roster spot after preseason finale

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 29, 2026, 11:17 IST

Following a productive preseason finale against the Jets, New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has confirmed that veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has done enough to earn a place on an NFL roster.

John Harbaugh backs Odell Beckham Jr. for Giants roster spot after preseason finale

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has signaled that veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has successfully made his case for a spot on the team's final roster. The endorsement came following the Giants' 23-6 victory over the New York Jets in their preseason finale on Friday night, a game that served as the final audition for players fighting for their professional futures.

Beckham, who spent the 2024 season out of the league after a stint with the Miami Dolphins, signed with the Giants this past spring with the explicit understanding that he would need to earn his position. After a summer of consistent work, Harbaugh expressed confidence in the 33-year-old receiver's ability to contribute at the NFL level once again.

A strong finish to the preseason

During Friday's matchup against the Jets, Beckham recorded three receptions for 53 yards. His performance was highlighted by a near-miss on a long touchdown pass from backup quarterback Jameis Winston. Despite being wide open behind the defense, the connection narrowly missed, though the play showcased Beckham's enduring athleticism; he reached a top speed of 20.54 miles per hour, the second-fastest mark recorded by a non-special teams player during the game.

Harbaugh praised the receiver's progression throughout the training camp period, noting that Beckham improved steadily as the weeks went on. The head coach highlighted that the veteran had his best week of camp at a critical juncture, just days before the league-wide deadline for final roster cuts, which is scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

Full circle for the veteran receiver

For Beckham, the opportunity to potentially return to the Giants—the franchise that originally selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft—carries significant personal weight. Reflecting on the journey, which included a period of uncertainty regarding his career, the receiver expressed gratitude for the chance to compete again.

Beckham emphasized the importance of his family during this process, specifically mentioning his four-year-old son. He noted that his primary motivation is to set a positive example through perseverance and overcoming adversity. Having not missed a single practice throughout the summer, Beckham feels he has demonstrated his capability to create separation and make plays, leaving the final decision in the hands of the coaching staff as the roster deadline approaches.