Giants’ Braxton Berrios decision comes with a surprising catch

Braxton Berrios is being released by the New York Giants, but the veteran wide receiver and return specialist apparently shouldn’t start packing his bags.

The Giants intend to bring Berrios back in time for their Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move appears to be part of New York’s maneuvering as it works through final roster decisions ahead of the regular season. 

Because Berrios is a vested veteran, he isn’t subject to the waiver process. That gives New York flexibility to release him temporarily without exposing him to the same waiver procedure that applies to younger players. The Giants could re-sign him to the active roster or potentially add him to the practice squad before elevating him for the opener. 

Giants Make Head-Scratching  Berrios

Berrios joined the Giants in June after injuries created concerns within New York’s receiving corps. Gunner Olszewski suffered a torn Achilles during the offseason program, opening another need at receiver and in the return game. 

The 30-year-old Berrios gives New York experience in both areas.

He has appeared in 91 career games while spending time with the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans. Berrios has accumulated 140 receptions for 1,360 yards and six touchdowns while also becoming one of the league’s more experienced return specialists. 

His best special-teams season came in 2021, when he earned first-team All-Pro honors as a returner. Berrios has returned 100 punts for 1,130 yards and 91 kickoffs for 2,265 yards during his career. 

His preseason finale against the Jets wasn’t ideal. Berrios caught one pass for 15 yards on four targets and lost a fumble, but New York’s reported plan to bring him back indicates the organization still sees value in his versatility. 

For now, Berrios is technically leaving the Giants.

If everything goes according to New York’s plan, however, the separation will be brief — and Berrios could still be returning kicks when the Giants face Dallas in Week 1.

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