Beckham's return to the team where he began his career lasted just three weeks. The 33-year-old played 19 snaps over three games, saw a single target and didn't catch a pass, according to Next Gen Stats. Despite hopes he could recapture the form that earned him three consecutive Pro Bowls to start his career, no role materialized for him with the Giants.
The release signals that the team has moved on from sentiment toward focusing on players who can contribute immediately. With Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney accounting for nearly all wide receiver targets through three games, Beckham's inability to see significant playing time made his presence expendable. Since he did not play special teams, keeping him around made little sense for New York.
Beckham faced a steep climb to even make the roster in the offseason, but he secured a spot on the initial 53-man roster at the end of August. However, his lack of usage underscored the reality that injuries to other receivers would have been required for him to make an impact. The question now is whether Beckham might find a new opportunity with another NFL club that could use wide receiver depth.