Kayvon Thibodeaux had curious reaction Odell Beckham Jr.'s Giants release - USA Today

New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux appeared to learn his team had released veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. during a news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Thibodeaux looked shocked upon being told of Beckham's release by a reporter. The 25-year-old bowed and shook his head while groaning, "Odell," ostensibly displaying his dismay at the Giants' decision.

However, it turns out Thibodeaux's reaction may not have been, in fact, genuine. He had already been made aware of Beckham's release, according to multiple reports.

It wasn't immediately clear what led Thibodeaux to feign his Oscar-worthy reaction, but the 2022 first-round pick did send well wishes to his teammate as he departed the organization for a second time.

"Wish him the best. He's a legend in the game," Thibodeaux said of Beckham. "He's fought so hard to make his way back in this league and he's definitely going to be able to make a statement somewhere. So, I'm not worried for him."

Beckham initially signed with the Giants in June after spending the 2025 season out of the NFL. It marked the 33-year-old's second stint with the Giants; his first ran from when the organization selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft until he was traded to the Cleveland Browns before the 2019 season.

Beckham played just 20 offensive snaps and was targeted once across three games. He failed to make a reception, and the Giants signed fellow veteran Braxton Berrios from the practice squad after releasing Beckham.

Now, Beckham will look to find a team with which to continue his attempt at a career revitalization.

Meanwhile, Thibodeaux will face some awkward questions about his reaction as he shifts into a larger role in the Giants defense. He and Abdul Carter will be tasked, in tandem, with helping to replace 2025 All-Pro second-teamer Brian Burns, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear.