Former Jets All-Pro is already on thin ice with new team

Last week, the New York Giants made a flurry of veteran wide receiver signings, including longtime fan favorite Odell Beckham Jr., veteran Juju Smith-Schuster, and former New York Jet Braxton Berrios.

Berrios spent four seasons with the Jets from 2019 to 2022 and had a pretty impactful tenure. As a receiver, he hauled in 107 passes for 1,085 yards, hauling in five touchdowns, but his real speciality was kick returning.

In 2021, he was a first-team All-Pro returner, bringing back 28 kicks for 852 yards, including a 102-yard return for a touchdown. He hasn't been as prolific since, but he's still managed to remain in the league thanks to his skill set.

Now with the Giants, Berrios has a chance to make a new home for himself, but he has a bit of an uphill climb ahead of him.

Former Jets starter Braxton Berrios could already be on roster bubble with Giants

The Giants had initially re-signed Gunner Olszewski in free agency to be their primary return specialist, but he unfortunately suffered a torn Achilles tendon early in OTAs that will cost him the 2026 season.

The Giants made their flurry of signings right after the injury news.

Berrios finds himself on a Giants depth chart with 12 other receivers, including himself, fighting to make the Giants' final roster.

His main competition as the lead returner is former Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Calvin Austin, another former Jet in Xavier Gipson, and recent first-round cornerback Deonte Banks.

Despite Berrios' illustrious resume as a return specialist, it seems there are already several players ahead of him.

The Athletic's Dan Duggan noted that "Banks is a lock for one of the kickoff return spots," likely due to his status as a former first-round pick and the fact that cutting him would cost the Giants $4.32 million in dead cap per Spotrac.

If Banks can't contribute as a starting cornerback, he has to have a role somewhere, and that will likely be on special teams.

That leaves Berrios fighting with the likes of Austin and Gipson as his biggest threats, and will be his main competition as the summer rolls on.

One thing is for certain: the former Jet is on thin ice in New York and has to prove his worth if he wants to remain with the Giants in 2026.

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