Giants coach says Beckham release was purely performance-based

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that the release of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was based on the player’s lack of contribution to the offense and the team’s need to field the best possible roster. He rejected suggestions that public or media attention played any role, calling such speculation "noise" and emphasizing the focus on winning games.

"It's not doing enough for our offense. It's not doing enough for our team. So we need to make a change," Harbaugh said.

Beckham appeared in only 20 snaps over the first three games and recorded no catches in the most recent matchup. Harbaugh said a conversation with Beckham confirmed that the partnership wasn’t working and that the team could not justify keeping the roster spot.

"We just weren't getting enough, it just wasn't working for us," the coach explained.

The Giants had hoped to give Beckham more opportunities, but the player remained largely unused. Following the release, Beckham becomes a free agent after a career that includes four 1,000-yard seasons with the Giants, three Pro Bowl selections, and multiple injuries that have limited his recent playing time.