New York seeks to bolster wide receiver depth after injuries to key players
Category: Sports
The New York Giants are shaking up their wide receiver corps as they conduct workouts for three veteran players on June 1, 2026. The session, highlighted by former Giants star Odell Beckham Jr., also includes JuJu Smith-Schuster and Braxton Berrios, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
This decision comes in the aftermath of injuries that have left the Giants short on healthy receivers. Gunner Olszewski, a primary return specialist, suffered a season-ending torn Achilles during practice, and the team is facing additional challenges with Malik Nabers recovering from a torn ACL and Darius Slayton rehabilitating from sports hernia surgery.
The Giants' decision to bring in all three wideouts on the same day signals a potential overhaul in their receiving lineup, aimed at providing quarterback Jaxson Dart with more reliable options. Beckham, who was drafted by the Giants in 2014, has long been a fan favorite, and his return has been a topic of speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Beckham's recent NFL career has seen ups and downs. In 2023, he caught 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns with the Baltimore Ravens. His performance dipped in 2024 when he joined the Miami Dolphins, where he managed only nine catches for 55 yards over nine games. This workout marks Beckham's second opportunity to impress the Giants this offseason, as he has expressed a desire to reunite with the team.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2017 to 2021, has had a varied career that includes stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. Last season, he caught 33 passes for 345 yards and one touchdown with the Chiefs and is familiar with Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy from their time together in Kansas City. Smith-Schuster has accumulated 481 career receptions for 5,624 yards and 35 touchdowns, earning a Super Bowl LVII ring with the Chiefs.
Braxton Berrios, who began his NFL career with the New York Jets, enjoyed his best seasons in 2020 and 2021 when he caught 37 and 46 passes, respectively, totaling 825 yards and five touchdowns over 32 games. After spending two years with the Dolphins, he played for the Texans in 2025, appearing in only four games. Berrios is recognized for his versatility as both a wide receiver and a return specialist, skills that could help replace Olszewski’s contributions.
In addition to Beckham, Smith-Schuster, and Berrios, the Giants have also invited Anthony Miller to the workout. Miller has had a tumultuous career, having played for the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, and various practice squads. He has recorded 141 receptions for 1,605 yards and 12 touchdowns throughout his career.
The Giants' current roster situation has necessitated this search for experienced wide receivers. Following Olszewski's injury, the team is down to just nine healthy receivers, prompting immediate action to bolster their offensive lineup. Head coach John Harbaugh noted that Beckham looked good during the workout, and the team may revisit the possibility of signing him as they move into summer training camp.
Smith-Schuster's experience and previous chemistry with Nagy could be a valuable asset for the Giants. His ability to contribute both in the receiving game and potentially return kicks adds another layer of depth to the team's options. Berrios, recognized for his return skills, could fill the void left by Olszewski, providing the Giants with a dual-threat option on special teams.
The Giants are actively assessing their options as they prepare for the upcoming season. With the NFL offseason in full swing, the workouts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the team's offensive capabilities during organized team activities. The team is expected to make decisions about potential signings based on the performances observed during these workouts.
As for Beckham, the possibility of a second stint with the Giants remains uncertain but intriguing. His history with the franchise and the fanbase's affection for him could influence the team's decision-making process. If he performs well, there is a chance that he could secure a contract to rejoin the team.
In the meantime, the Giants will continue to evaluate their depth chart and monitor the recovery processes of Nabers and Slayton. Their availability will play a key role in shaping the team's strategy as they head into training camp.
As the offseason progresses, fans will follow closely closely to see if the Giants make any moves that could impact their chances in the upcoming season. The team’s next steps will be closely examined, especially with the June 1 workouts providing a glimpse into potential changes on the horizon.
With the NFL season approaching, the Giants are under pressure to solidify their roster. The upcoming weeks will be important as the team navigates injuries and evaluates new talent, aiming for a successful campaign in 2026.