Giants Legend Carl Banks Backs Odell Beckham Jr. Reunion to Aid Malik Nabers' Development

Banks believes a 'humbled' and 'seasoned' OBJ can help calibrate the Giants' young star receiver as he returns from injury.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:05am

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Former New York Giants linebacker Carl Banks believes a reunion between the team and veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. could benefit the development of young Giants star Malik Nabers. Banks says the 'seasoned' Beckham, who has dealt with his own ego and injury issues, can help 'calibrate' the emotional and talented Nabers as he returns from an ACL tear.

Why it matters

Beckham was once a dominant receiver for the Giants, but his relationship with the franchise deteriorated due to his ego and effort issues. Now a free agent, a return to New York could provide value beyond just Beckham's on-field production, as he can mentor the up-and-coming Nabers, who had a standout rookie season but is coming off a major injury.

The details

After being traded from the Giants in 2019, Beckham has dealt with injuries, including two ACL tears, that have diminished his market value. However, Banks believes the 'humbled' and 'seasoned' Beckham can now be a 'stabilizing force' for the young and emotional Nabers, who is looking to bounce back from his own ACL tear. Banks sees Beckham as an 'asset' who can help 'calibrate' Nabers' development as the Giants look to improve their receiving corps.

  • Beckham suffered his second ACL tear during the Rams' Super Bowl LVI win in 2021.
  • Nabers tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2025 season.

The players

Odell Beckham Jr.

A former star wide receiver for the Giants who is now a free agent looking to continue his NFL career after dealing with injuries and ego issues.

Malik Nabers

The Giants' young star receiver who had a standout rookie season in 2025 but is coming off an ACL tear.

Carl Banks

A two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker for the Giants who believes Beckham can mentor Nabers.

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What they’re saying

“I don't have a problem with his presence in the locker room. [Odell's] no longer the guy who magically sucks the oxygen out of the room. He's an established NFL player, and I think the aura of Odell Beckham has kind of been absorbed.”

— Carl Banks, Giants two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker

“He's a pro's pro now; he's going to do things that will wow you even at his age, but he's also going to be a good teammate. He was not a good teammate; he was just one of those guys who had an aura in the locker room of being the center of the earth...and that guy is gone.”

— Carl Banks, Giants two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker

“I think he is a stabilizing force, especially for someone like Malik Nabers, who is still super raw, super talented, and just as emotional as a young Odell Beckham because he wants it so bad. A seasoned Odell Beckham can now help calibrate a guy like Nabers.”

— Carl Banks, Giants two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker

What’s next

The Giants will need to decide if they want to bring Odell Beckham Jr. in for a workout this offseason to evaluate if he can still contribute to the team.

The takeaway

This potential reunion highlights how veteran players can sometimes provide value beyond just their on-field production, especially for young stars like Malik Nabers who are looking to bounce back from injury and continue their development. Beckham's own journey of humility could help 'calibrate' Nabers' emotional approach as he aims to lead the Giants' receiving corps.