Giants Release Wr Darius Slayton After Seven Seasons

After seven seasons,Darius Slayton's time with the Giants is over.

New York released the veteran wide receiver on Monday, less than a week before their 2026 regular season kicks off against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

"Grateful for my time in NY," Slayton posted on social media. "7 years a Giant nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL. Excited to see what’s next."

The move will save Big Blue $3.2 million against the salary cap. The receiver was in the second year of a three-year, $36 million deal. New York will carry about $13 million in dead cap this season and $3 million next year.

The 29-year-old appeared to have made the team following initial cuts to the 53-man roster and was looking to prove himself, but that will now have to happen with a different team. 

With Odell Beckham Jr. making the squad, it appeared Slayton would be the odd-man out, with SNY's Connor Hughes noting the veteran was "figuring to be a healthy scratch."

In addition to Beckham, Big Blue will move forward with Malik Nabers, Malachi Fields, and Darnell Mooney in the wide receiver room. They also have Braxton Berrios and Jalin Hyatt, whowere both released at the end of the preseason, but re-signed to the practice squad and could be brought up for game day or potentially back to the 53-man roster.

Slayton was originally drafted by New York in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Auburn, and he burst onto the scene during his rookie season with 740 yards and eight touchdowns. He put up another 751 yards receiving in 2020 and has since compiled four straight 500-plus-yard seasons.

Overall, Slayton made 296 receptions for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns with the Giants over 106 games across seven seasons.