The Minnesota Vikings released veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The move came after the wideout was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Monday night’s 23-6 defeat against the Buffalo Bills.
Return to the Practice Squad
Despite the release, Beckham’s tenure with Minnesota continues. The Vikings are re-signing him to the practice squad, as reported by The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero. The roster move served primarily as a procedural step to free up a spot for the newly acquired Kirk Cousins.
During Monday’s matchup against the Bills, Beckham did not record any receptions and participated in only two snaps.
Career Trajectory and Recent Moves
Beckham, 34, began the 2026 campaign with the New York Giants, returning to the franchise that initially drafted him and where he enjoyed his most productive years. His second stint in New York proved brief and quiet, totaling 19 snaps across three games without a catch prior to his release on September 29.
Following that release, he joined the Vikings organization on a practice squad deal on October 7.
Earlier in his career, Beckham established himself as a rising star in the NFL, achieving Pro Bowl selections in his first three seasons by securing at least 90 receptions, 1,300 receiving yards, and double-digit touchdowns in each of those years.
Significant injuries and friction with the Giants and subsequent stints with the Cleveland Browns disrupted his career path. Since 2022, Beckham has played in only 27 games total, functioning primarily as emergency depth for the Vikings.
