New York Giants brutally cut team's longest-tenured player to save millions
New York Giants brutally cut team's longest-tenured player to save millions
Rory RobinsonTue, September 8, 2026 at 12:14 AM UTC
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The New York Giants part ways with veteran WR Darius Slayton -Credit:Getty
New York Giants veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton appeared to survive the final cuts of the preseason to start his eighth year in the city, only to be cut just six days before the team's NFL Week 1 opener.
The Giants are releasing the veteran wide receiver after seven seasons to end Slayton's run as the team's longest-tenured player. The move comes after he made the team's initial 53-man NFL roster, with the team set to pay him $13 million.
Slayton fell to the bottom of a reshaped receiver depth chart after years as a reliable target in an unstable Giants offense. Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, and Odell Beckham Jr. headline the group's pass catchers while Calvin Austin III is on injured reserve.
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The former fifth-round pick responded to the decision with gratitude rather than frustration in a post on X. Giants fans were receptive to the message after feeling overlooked by Dexter Lawrence's departure in April.
"Grateful for my time in NY. 7 years a Giant, nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL. Excited to see what’s next," Slayton wrote on X.
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His exit comes as the franchise settles after cycling through quarterbacks, coaches, and offensive plans during his tenure. Slayton still had 296 catches for 4,435 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in 106 regular-season games with New York.
Slayton played seven seasons in New York -Credit:Getty
His best statistical season came almost immediately as the Auburn product caught 48 passes for 740 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie in 2019. Slayton finished among the NFL leaders in receiving scores despite starting only nine games.
The ex-Giants WR remained a vertical threat for the franchise. He averaged 15 yards per reception across his seven years and topped 700 receiving yards four times, including a career-high 770 in 2023.
Slayton beat out Jalin Hyatt to earn a roster spot before being released -Credit:Getty
Some of his best individual performances came in losses, a fitting snapshot of much of his Giants career. Slayton put up 154 yards and two touchdowns against Philadelphia in 2019, then added 121 yards and two scores against the Jets later that season.
One of his most memorable winning performances arrived in Seattle in 2024. Slayton caught eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown as the Giants beat the Seahawks 29-20.
Slayton has 296 receptions, 4,435 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns as a Giant -Credit:Getty
New York's crowded receiver room left Slayton fighting for snaps, and a release remained possible before the initial roster deadline, even though the Giants ultimately kept him while moving on from Jalin Hyatt.
Slayton's next destination remains unclear, as ten NFL teams enter Week 1 with wide receiver injury concerns. Ja'Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, and Mike Evans all start the season recovering from injuries that sidelined them last year.
Source: “AOL Sports”
