Giants Release Darius Slayton After Seven Seasons With the Crew

The New York Giants launched vast receiver Darius Slayton on Monday, ending the seven-year run of the longest-tenured participant on their roster simply days earlier than the beginning of the brand new season.

Giants Release Darius Slayton

Slayton, 29, turned a free agent after the Giants determined to maneuver on from him. Because he’s a vested veteran, he doesn’t must undergo waivers and may signal with any staff.

The transfer additionally offers New York simply over $3 million in salary-cap house for this season. Slayton was set to make $13 million after signing a three-year, $36 million contract with the Giants earlier than final season, ESPN reported.

Slayton was chosen by New York within the fifth spherical of the 2019 NFL Draft. He shortly turned an essential a part of the offense, recording 740 receiving yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie.

Over his Giants profession, Slayton turned one of many staff’s most efficient receivers. He recorded no less than 500 receiving yards in six seasons and led the staff in receiving 4 occasions, in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023.

His time in New York was not at all times straightforward. Slayton struggled with drops and consistency at occasions, and he was pushed down the depth chart when Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen took over in 2022. Still, he labored his manner again into the rotation and have become the Giants’ main receiver that season.

Slayton completed his Giants profession with 296 catches, 4,435 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in seven seasons, in line with the offered staff totals.

Darius Slayton Becomes Free Agent

This summer time, his place turned even much less sure. Slayton was recovering from core muscle surgical procedure and struggled to discover a common position beneath new coach John Harbaugh.

The Giants had additionally added a number of receivers. Darnell Mooney joined the staff in free company, whereas Odell Beckham Jr. was added within the spring.

Malik Nabers was working towards a Week 1 return from a knee damage, and rookie Malachi Fields had impressed in the course of the summer time.

With these gamers forward of him, Slayton turned the odd man out. New York had additionally explored a doable commerce earlier than remaining roster cuts, however his wage made a deal tough.

According to AP, Slayton appeared to know that his future with the Giants was unsure.

“You control what you can control and let the rest fall where it may,” he mentioned final week. After his launch, Slayton seemed again warmly on his time with the staff.

“Grateful for my time in NY. 7 years a Giant nothing but love,” he posted on X.