The New York Giants have signed a veteran wide receiver and return specialist following the latest in a string of Achilles injuries to hit the camp, but former Giant Odell Beckham Jr. was not the answer.

Instead, Big Blue has turned to former New York Jets receiver Braxton Berrios after a workout that also included fellow NFL veterans Beckham, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Anthony Miller. Reports indicated the decision came as the Giants attempt to address both their receiving depth and special teams concerns following Gunner Olszewski’s Achilles injury over the weekend.

Olszewski is the latest Giant to suffer a significant setback during an increasingly concerning spring period for the organisation. The return specialist is feared to have sustained a season-ending Achilles tear, similar to those already suffered by defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris and cornerback Thaddeus Dixon during OTAs.

What might otherwise have been viewed as isolated incidents has instead become an increasingly uncomfortable talking point around the organisation. Particularly concerning is the non-contact nature of the injuries. Olszewski’s setback reportedly occurred during a routine change-of-direction movement, while the injuries have occurred across both grass and indoor turf practice environments, making it difficult to identify a single contributing factor. The Giants’ experience also arrives against a backdrop of growing league-wide concern over Achilles ruptures, with medical staffs continuing to examine a trend that has affected an increasing number of NFL players in recent seasons.

The injury issues extend beyond those losses, however, with receivers Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton both missing significant time, the former as he continues his recovery from ACL and meniscus surgery, and Slayton following core muscle surgery. Both absences leave the Giants short of healthy bodies at the position during a crucial stage of preparation for the 2026 season and against that backdrop, the decision to sign Berrios instead of Beckham is particularly notable.

OBJ’s presence at the workout inevitably generated the most attention. The former Giants star has openly discussed a possible return to the franchise where he became one of the NFL’s most electrifying receivers, recently saying he felt he had left ‘things unfinished’ in New York. However, while Beckham would have offered the NFL a nostalgic storyline, Berrios arguably addresses a more immediate roster need.

A former All-Pro return specialist, Berrios brings extensive experience in both the kicking game and as a depth receiver. Across NFL stops with the Jets,  Miami and Houston, he has recorded 140 receptions for 1,360 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 11.3 yards per punt return and 24.9 yards per kick return. That versatility appears especially valuable following Olszewski’s injury, although there are still questions surrounding Berrios’ own durability after injuries limited him to 10 appearances across the last two seasons, having suffered a torn ACL in 2024.