New York Giants Release Longest-Tenured Player Darius Slayton

The New York Giants released wide receiver Darius Slayton on Monday, a move that creates over $3 million in salary cap space.

The New York Giants released wide receiver Darius Slayton on Monday, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. The 29-year-old was the team's longest-tenured player, having joined the roster as a fifth-round draft pick in 2018. Slayton departs with career totals of 296 catches, 4,435 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns over seven seasons. The transaction creates just over $3 million in salary cap space for a player who was scheduled to earn $13 million this year under a three-year, $36 million contract signed prior to last season.

Slayton led the Giants in receiving yards during four separate campaigns (2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023) and recorded six seasons with at least 500 yards. However, he fell behind on the depth chart this summer following the free-agent signing of Darnell Mooney and the spring addition of Odell Beckham Jr. Coach John Harbaugh indicated that Beckham will be utilized in the rotation and sub packages. With rookie Malachi Fields impressing and Malik Nabers returning from a knee injury, the Giants were unable to find a trade partner for Slayton due to his significant salary.

During his tenure, Slayton recorded 26 drops, which is tied for the 12th most among wide receivers since he entered the league in 2019. He underwent core muscle surgery in the spring and struggled to secure a role in the new offense during training camp. As a vested veteran, Slayton is not subject to the waiver wire and is immediately eligible to sign with any NFL team as a free agent.