Overview
- The New York Giants released wide receiver Darius Slayton, the team’s longest‑tenured player, in a move announced on Monday that makes him an immediate free agent.
- By cutting Slayton the club frees roughly $2.5–3.2 million of 2026 cap space while taking on about $12.7–12.75 million in dead‑cap charges because of guarantees in his three‑year, $36 million deal.
- Giants coaches and reporters cited Slayton’s offseason core/hernia surgery, declining production last season, and a crowded receiver room featuring Malik Nabers, rookie Malachi Fields, Odell Beckham Jr., and Darnell Mooney as reasons for the decision.
- Across his Giants career Slayton compiled about 296 catches for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns in roughly 106 games, and he posted a farewell message on X after the release.
- The cut reshapes New York’s Week 1 receiver depth and immediately put Slayton on the market with multiple teams making early inquiries, which could lead to a quick signing for depth or a veteran addition elsewhere.