What Happened to Odell Beckham Jr.?
Odell Beckham Jr. is an American professional football wide receiver known for his dynamic playmaking and spectacular catches. After a decorated start with the New York Giants, his career has been marked by team changes and significant injuries, including multiple ACL tears. As of April 2026, he is a free agent actively seeking an NFL return after a 2025 suspension, having recently worked out for the New York Giants.
Quick Answer
Odell Beckham Jr. is currently a free agent wide receiver, actively pursuing a return to the NFL for the 2026 season. He recently worked out for the New York Giants and underwent a physical on April 20, 2026, signaling potential interest in rejoining his original team. Beckham did not play in the 2025 season, serving a six-game suspension for a PED violation as a free agent, and was last on an NFL roster with the Miami Dolphins in 2024 before being waived in December of that year.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Odell Cornelious Beckham Jr. was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Drafted by New York Giants
Beckham was selected by the New York Giants as the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Makes 'The Catch'
During his rookie season, Beckham made a spectacular one-handed touchdown reception against the Dallas Cowboys, widely dubbed 'The Catch,' solidifying his status as a rising star.
Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
Following an impressive debut season despite missing four games due to injury, Beckham was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year for the 2014 season.
Traded to Cleveland Browns
The New York Giants traded Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster deal.
Tears ACL with Browns
Beckham suffered a torn ACL during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, prematurely ending his 2020 season with the Browns.
Signs with Los Angeles Rams
After being released by the Browns, Beckham signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams.
Wins Super Bowl LVI, Tears ACL
Beckham helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, scoring a touchdown, but tore his ACL during the game, leading him to miss the entire 2022 season.
Signs with Baltimore Ravens
Beckham signed a one-year deal worth up to $18 million with the Baltimore Ravens, making his return to the NFL after rehabbing his injury.
Released by Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens released Odell Beckham Jr. after one season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Signs with Miami Dolphins
Beckham signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.25 million with the Miami Dolphins.
Waived by Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins waived Odell Beckham Jr. after he played in nine games, recording nine catches for 55 yards.
Reinstated from PED Suspension
After serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy as a free agent, Beckham was officially reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Showcases skills at Fanatics Flag Football Classic, eyes NFL return
Beckham participated in the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic, making impressive catches and publicly stating his intention to play in the NFL in 2026.
Works out for New York Giants
Odell Beckham Jr. worked out for the New York Giants and underwent a physical, indicating potential interest in a reunion with his former team.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Odell Beckham Jr.'s NFL journey began with a meteoric rise, establishing him as one of the league's most electrifying wide receivers. Drafted 12th overall by the New York Giants in 2014, he quickly gained national recognition for his acrobatic one-handed catches, most notably 'The Catch' against the Dallas Cowboys in his rookie season. He earned the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2014 and was selected to three consecutive Pro Bowls, becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach 200 receptions and 4,000 receiving yards.
His tenure with the Giants concluded in March 2019 when he was traded to the Cleveland Browns. While with the Browns, Beckham's production saw a decline, and his time was marred by injuries, including a torn ACL in October 2020 that prematurely ended his season. After an eventful stint, he was released by the Browns in November 2021.
Following his release from Cleveland, Beckham signed with the Los Angeles Rams in November 2021, where he experienced a career resurgence. He played a crucial role in the Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory, scoring a touchdown in the game before suffering another torn ACL, which forced him to miss the entire 2022 season for rehabilitation. This marked a significant turning point, as he spent the subsequent year recovering.
Beckham returned to the field in 2023, signing a one-year, $18 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens in April. He recorded 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games for the Ravens. In March 2024, the Ravens released him, making him an unrestricted free agent. He then signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.25 million with the Miami Dolphins in May 2024. However, his time in Miami was brief and less productive, as he was waived by the Dolphins on December 13, 2024, after playing in nine games with just nine receptions for 55 yards.
The 2025 season saw Beckham remain a free agent and serve a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy, though he maintained he never knowingly took PEDs. He was officially reinstated in November 2025. As of March 2026, Beckham, now 33, has expressed a strong desire to return to the NFL, showcasing his abilities at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. Most recently, on April 20, 2026, he worked out for and underwent a physical with the New York Giants, exploring a potential reunion with the team that drafted him. His future remains uncertain, but he is actively seeking a new opportunity in the league.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Odell Beckham Jr. made different choices?