Darius Slayton appeared to be safe during the lead-in to roster cuts. The veteran wideout will not begin 2026 with the Giants, however.
Slayton was released on Monday, per a team announcement. This marks an end to his seven-year run in New York. Slayton will immediately become a free agent as he looks to find his next opportunity in time for Week 1.
Slayton had been the Giants’ longest-tenured player. Barring a return by means of the practice squad, though, 2026 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career. The 29-year-old had been under contract for the next two years prior to this season. His release will generate just $3.61MM in cap savings against $12.75MM in dead money charges.
New York’s receiver depth chart has been a talking point through the summer, with Odell Beckham Jr. competing for a spot upon returning to the Giants and Malik Nabers attempting to return to full strength in time for Week 1. Slayton’s spot in that setup was unclear – not for the first time – as training camp drew to a close. After seeming to be safe for another year, he now faces an uncertain future.
The Giants have Nabers, free agent addition Darnell Mooney and rookie Malachi Fields in place along with Beckham. Calvin Austin was set to have a role on offense, but an ACL tear will keep him out of the fold all season. That injury appeared to be key in allowing Slayton to survive roster cuts, but that has not proven to be the case.
More to come…
