Overview
- The Indianapolis Colts announced Friday that they released veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton, ending a stint in which he never played a regular-season snap for the team.
- Indianapolis signed Slayton on Sept. 22 after placing Alec Pierce on injured reserve to add a vertical receiving option and re-create a connection with quarterback Daniel Jones.
- Coaching staff said Slayton spent the first weeks learning the offense and was inactive for games before a knee problem from practice ruled him out and further limited his chance to contribute.
- Head coach Shane Steichen said Slayton had some good practices but 'it just didn't work out,' signaling the move reflected fit and availability rather than a single clear failure.
- Slayton, 29, returns to free agency with seven productive seasons in New York on his resume and the Colts now face decisions on who will fill their immediate gap in downfield receiving.