Overview
- The New York Giants released Darius Slayton on Monday, Sept. 7, ending his seven‑plus year run after he was drafted in 2019.
- Because Slayton had signed a three‑year, $36 million extension last year, the team saves only about $2.5–$3.2 million but will carry roughly $12.7 million in dead cap for 2026.
- Coaching changes, Slayton’s offseason core/sports‑hernia surgery and a crowded receiver room that includes Malik Nabers, rookie Malachi Fields, Odell Beckham Jr. and Darnell Mooney all factored in his fall on the depth chart.
- Slayton posted a farewell on X and is a vested veteran free agent who can sign immediately; multiple teams reportedly made preliminary calls and the Indianapolis Colts were identified as a monitored early suitor.
- Over his Giants career Slayton caught 296 passes for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns, and his release highlights how recent guarantees and roster shakeups can force teams to eat large dead‑cap charges to change personnel quickly.