Odell Beckham Jr. Contacted by KOC Right After Giants Release, WR Talks New Vikings Contract

Odell Beckham Jr. revealed that he was contacted by Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell about joining the team after the wide receiver was released by the New York Giants.

"He had extreme confidence and belief and texted me," Beckham told reporters regarding O'Connell on Wednesday (0:14 mark). "It's always good to be somewhere where you're wanted. He was the one who reached out and kind of made this whole thing happen. Life happens fast, but life in the NFL feels like it happens faster. It was just a situation that came up and it seemed right."

"It seemed as if he wanted me to be here and that was expressed to me," he added. "That feels good when you're playing a sport like this, when you're laying your livelihood on the line. It always feels better when you're doing it for somebody where it feels like their heart is there for it as well."

Beckham signed with the Vikings' practice squad on Wednesday after he was released by the Giants on Sept. 29.

The 33-year-old initially joined New York as a free agent in June, returning to the team that he spent the first five seasons of his career with.

Despite missing the entire 2025 season, Beckham battled in training camp and was able to earn a spot on the Giants' 53-man roster.

His role in New York's passing attack was a small one, though. Beckham failed to record a catch across his first three appearances of the regular season, as he was only targeted once and played just 20 total snaps (via Pro Football Reference).

The three-time Pro Bowler will now operate as a depth option for a Vikings squad that is currently managing injuries to their receiving corps after opening the 2026 season with a 4-0 record.

Justin Jefferson was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury that previously forced him to miss Week 3. Jordan Addison also didn't participate in Wednesday's session as he managed a hamstring issue.

As for O'Connell, he shares a connection with Beckham that stems from the wideout's 2021 season on the Los Angeles Rams. That year, O'Connell served as the Rams' offensive coordinator.