braxton berrios what’s new: surprising NFL update in 2026
Introduction
So, braxton berrios what’s new right now? The short answer is that Braxton Berrios has entered a fresh chapter with the New York Giants, and recent developments could give the veteran wide receiver an even bigger opportunity.
Berrios signed with the Giants in June 2026 after spending the 2025 season with the Houston Texans. His recent production has been limited, but his career history tells a much more interesting story. He has 140 career receptions for 1,360 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He has also built a strong reputation as a return specialist.
The latest development is especially important. Giants receiver Calvin Austin III suffered a season ending ACL injury during practice on August 25, 2026. That absence could increase Berrios’s responsibilities on offense and special teams. Reuters reports that Berrios is expected to take over punt return duties while also competing for snaps at receiver.
Here is what you need to know about braxton berrios what’s new, his career journey, his current Giants situation, and what could happen next.
What is new with Braxton Berrios?
The biggest change is Berrios’s opportunity with the Giants.
New York signed him to a one year contract after a workout in June. The move came after the team lost return specialist Gunner Olszewski to a season ending Achilles injury.
Berrios already had extensive experience returning punts and kickoffs. His career totals include 100 punt returns for 1,130 yards and 91 kickoff returns for 2,265 yards. He also earned first team All Pro honors as a returner in 2021.
Now another opportunity has emerged.
The latest developments
- Berrios is on the Giants roster for 2026
- He signed a one year contract with New York
- Calvin Austin III is out for the season with an ACL injury
- Berrios could take over more punt return responsibilities
- His experience could help him earn additional offensive snaps
- The Giants have a crowded receiver group
The situation has changed quickly as New York prepares for the regular season.
Why is Calvin Austin’s injury important for Berrios?
This is probably the most important part of the current story.
Calvin Austin III suffered a torn right ACL during a non contact practice drill on August 25. The injury will keep him out for the entire 2026 season. Austin had been expected to contribute as a receiver and special teams player.
That creates a hole in the Giants receiver rotation.
Berrios is one of the players who could benefit. He has experience playing in the slot and understands special teams responsibilities. The Giants can therefore use him in several situations rather than depending on him for one specific job.
Reuters specifically reported that New York will look toward Berrios, Odell Beckham Jr. and Darnell Mooney to help replace Austin’s production.
What role could Braxton Berrios have with the Giants?
Berrios is unlikely to enter the season as the team’s primary receiver. His value comes from his versatility.
He can contribute as a slot receiver, return specialist and experienced depth option. viewflare
That flexibility matters because NFL rosters constantly change due to injuries and matchups. A player who can handle multiple responsibilities becomes more valuable when a team loses an important contributor.
His potential roles include
- Punt returner
- Kickoff returner
- Slot receiver
- Receiver rotation player
- Special teams contributor
- Veteran depth option
His return ability could ultimately be his clearest path to consistent playing time.
What are Braxton Berrios’s career statistics?
Berrios has never been a high volume number one receiver, but he has produced useful numbers throughout his career.
According to NFL statistics, he has 140 receptions for 1,360 yards and six touchdowns. He has also recorded 20 rushing attempts for 171 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
His return statistics are particularly notable. viewflare
| Career category | Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 140 |
| Receiving yards | 1,360 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 6 |
| Rushing attempts | 20 |
| Rushing yards | 171 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 4 |
| Punt returns | 100 |
| Punt return yards | 1,130 |
| Kickoff returns | 91 |
| Kickoff return yards | 2,265 |
These numbers show why the Giants view him as more than simply another receiver.
What happened to Berrios in 2025?
Berrios spent the 2025 season with the Houston Texans, but his playing time was limited.
He appeared in only four regular season games. He finished with six receptions for 37 yards and no touchdowns. He also returned three kickoffs for 81 yards.
Those numbers do not reflect the best version of Berrios.
Injuries and limited opportunities affected his recent seasons. He played only 10 games combined for the Dolphins and Texans over the previous two seasons, according to reporting surrounding his Giants move.
That makes 2026 an important season for him.
Source: ESPN
Can Berrios return to his best form?
That is one of the biggest questions surrounding his Giants career.
Berrios’s best period came with the New York Jets. In 2021, he recorded 46 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, he became one of the NFL’s best return specialists.
He earned first team All Pro recognition that year as a returner. He averaged 13.4 yards per punt return and led the NFL with a 30.4 yard average on kickoff returns.
The challenge is maintaining that level after injuries and limited playing time.
Berrios is now 30 years old, so the Giants are unlikely to expect him to suddenly become a star receiver. Instead, his experience and versatility give him a realistic path to contribute.
How has Berrios handled the Giants roster competition?
The receiver room has been crowded.
Berrios entered training camp competing with several established and younger players. Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith Schuster, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney and Malik Nabers are among the names connected to the Giants receiver group.
In early August, Berrios said his focus was on football and earning his place on the roster. His approach has been to concentrate on improving each day rather than outside attention.
That mindset could help him as the roster changes around him.
The ACL injury to Austin now makes the competition even more interesting.
Does Austin’s injury guarantee Berrios a bigger role?
Not necessarily.
An injury creates an opportunity, but it does not guarantee playing time. The Giants can distribute Austin’s snaps among several receivers.
However, Berrios has one advantage that some of his competitors do not have. He already has extensive experience as a return specialist.
That could make him particularly valuable on game day.
The Giants now need to replace Austin’s contribution while maintaining stability on special teams. Berrios could help solve both problems.
What makes Berrios valuable as a returner?
Berrios’s return experience is arguably the strongest part of his NFL résumé.
He has returned 100 punts and 91 kickoffs during his career. His career averages are 11.3 yards per punt return and 24.9 yards per kickoff return.
He also demonstrated exceptional production during his 2021 season.
For a team, a good returner can change field position without requiring the offense to gain a single yard. That makes special teams an important part of Berrios’s value.
The Giants appear increasingly likely to rely on him in this area after Austin’s injury.
What does Berrios’s Giants move mean for his career?
The Giants opportunity could be an important turning point.
Berrios has already experienced the highs and lows of an NFL career. He entered the league after the New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Patriots later waived him, and the Jets claimed him in 2019.
He eventually became a valuable player for New York before moving to Miami, Houston and then returning to New York with the Giants.
That journey gives his 2026 season an interesting historical angle.
He is not trying to establish himself as a young prospect anymore. He is trying to prove that experience, versatility and special teams ability can still make him valuable.

What should fans watch next?
If you are following braxton berrios what’s new, several developments deserve attention as the regular season approaches.
Watch his special teams role
The first thing to monitor is whether Berrios officially becomes the primary punt returner.
Watch his offensive snaps
His receiver workload will show whether the coaching staff sees him as a regular offensive contributor.
Watch his health
Berrios has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. Staying healthy will be important for his chances of maintaining a role.
Watch the roster decisions
The Giants have several experienced receivers competing for limited opportunities. The final roster will tell us much more about Berrios’s expected workload.
What can you realistically expect from Berrios in 2026?
It would be risky to predict a huge receiving season.
A more realistic expectation is a flexible role. He could contribute primarily as a returner while receiving selected offensive snaps.
His career history suggests that he can provide value without becoming a featured receiver.
Source: E! News
The loss of Austin could increase his opportunities, but the Giants have several ways to replace those snaps.
The most reasonable prediction is that Berrios becomes an important depth player whose special teams role gives him a clear path onto the field.
Conclusion
So, braxton berrios what’s new? The biggest development is his changing opportunity with the New York Giants following Calvin Austin III’s season ending ACL injury.
Berrios already brings valuable NFL experience. He has 140 career receptions, 1,360 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. His return résumé is even more impressive, with 1,130 punt return yards and 2,265 kickoff return yards.
His recent offensive numbers have been modest, but his 2021 All Pro return season proves that he can make a significant impact when given the right role.
The Giants now have another reason to use his versatility.
For fans searching braxton berrios what’s new, the answer is simple. His 2026 comeback story has become more interesting, and the next few roster decisions should reveal just how important he will be for New York.
FAQs
What is new with Braxton Berrios?
Berrios is entering the 2026 season with the New York Giants. Calvin Austin III’s season ending ACL injury could increase Berrios’s responsibilities as a receiver and returner.
Is Braxton Berrios on the Giants roster?
Yes. The Giants signed Berrios in June 2026, and he is listed on the team’s current roster.
What position does Braxton Berrios play?
Berrios primarily plays wide receiver and has extensive experience as a punt and kickoff returner.
What are Braxton Berrios’s career stats?
He has 140 receptions for 1,360 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also has 1,130 punt return yards and 2,265 kickoff return yards.
What happened to Calvin Austin III?
Austin suffered a torn right ACL during Giants practice on August 25, 2026. He is expected to miss the entire 2026 season.
Could Berrios become a starter for the Giants?
He could receive more opportunities, but a starting role is not guaranteed. His versatility gives him a strong chance to contribute in both the receiving group and special teams.
Was Braxton Berrios an All Pro?
Yes. Berrios was named a first team All Pro as a returner in 2021.
What happened to Berrios in 2025?
He played four games for the Houston Texans and recorded six receptions for 37 yards without a touchdown.
Why did the Giants sign Berrios?
The Giants added Berrios because of his experience as a receiver and return specialist. His return skills became particularly valuable after injuries affected the team’s special teams depth.
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Author Bio: Johan Harwen The author covers American football, NFL players, team developments and career statistics. The focus is on presenting current sports news in a clear, engaging and reader friendly way.
Email: johanharwen@314gmail.com
Author Name: Johan Harwen



