Most fans assumed Odell Beckham Jr. would make the team simply because of his name. They were wrong. He had to fight for every inch of that jersey.
The surprise comes from how hard he worked after a long break. Beckham spent a full year away from the game before signing this June. Many veterans fade when they miss that much time. Beckham did not. He showed up and proved he still had the fire.
After missing a year of the league, Beckham played in every practice and earned a spot on the starting 53-man roster with a strong summer, according to reports. That is a huge deal. It means he did not miss a single drill. He kept his body ready while others rested.
Coach John Harbaugh made the rules clear from day one. He told Beckham that nothing was given to him. The coach said the receiver “had to earn a roster spot.” Harbaugh does not hand out jobs based on past fame. He wants players who fight for the ball. Beckham listened and delivered.
The Roster Shake-Up
The final list of players tells a story of change. Beckham was one of only five wide receivers to make the cut. That is a tight group. The Giants had to let go of some big names to make room.
Evan Neal and Jalin Hyatt, both former high draft picks, were removed from the team. This shows the new direction under Harbaugh. He is not keeping players just because they were once highly touted. He wants results on the field right now.
Braxton Berrios was released too, but the team has a plan for him. The Giants are guaranteed his return to the practice squad as a vested veteran. The team intends for him to be active in Week 1. So the loss is not final. It is just a change in where he starts.
The shake-up at wideout was messy but necessary. Beckham got his number back, No. 13, and his spot on the team. The others had to wait or leave. This is how a new era starts.
A Defense Built to Rush
The offense is not the only part of the team getting attention. The defense has new leaders with big goals. John Harbaugh and coordinator Dennard Wilson want to fix the unit fast.
Last season, the Giants allowed too many points. They finished No. 26 in points allowed per game. That is a low rank for a team with big dreams. They also ranked No. 16 in opponent pass yards per game, placing them mid-tier against the pass.
Wilson will change the scheme to base out of 3-4 and nickel personnel groups in 2026. This means more speed and more pressure on the quarterback. The plan is to force mistakes.
Brian Burns is the star of this new plan. He came off a career-best 16.5 sacks last year. Harbaugh believes Burns will be even better this summer. “He does so many things well, he’s going to excel,” said new coach John Harbaugh about Burns’ prospects in new coordinator Dennard Wilson’s defense.
Burns should not face many double-teams anymore. The continued development of Abdul Carter helps him. Carter was doubled at a rate of just over 13% last season. Now Burns can get free.
The Road Ahead
The NFC East is getting tougher every year. The Giants will face the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys soon. Both teams are NFC East rivals. Wilson knows his pass defense will be greatly tested.
The team has the pieces to win. They have Burns, Carter, and Thomas. Andrew Thomas is entering a season healthy for the first time in years. His 92.3% pass block win rate is the fifth best among all left tackles over the past three seasons.
The Giants need their blitz to bite in the Big Apple. If they can stop the run and rush the passer, they will be dangerous. The roster is set. The work begins now.
