Giants release WR Darius Slayton who signed $36 million deal in 2025

The New York Giants have announced the release of wide receiver Darius Slayton, a player who has been part of the team since his draft in 2019. Slayton recently inked a three-year contract worth $36 million with New York in March of 2025. According to NFL reporter Adam Schefter, the veteran player was let go by the Giants on September 7, 2026.

During his tenure with the team, Slayton made a total of 106 appearances, starting 78 of them. He had a total of 296 receptions, accumulating 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns. However, last season, his performance dipped significantly, with only one touchdown despite playing 81 percent of the offensive snaps in 14 games. Furthermore, Slayton recorded only 37 receptions for 538 yards, his lowest since 2021.

Over the past two years, his production had been trending downwards, following a decade-high of over 700 receiving yards in 2022 and 2023.

The Giants have acknowledged that Slayton's numbers were declining, and his nearly $16 million cap hit was no longer justified, particularly after the team signed quarterback Jameis Winston and guard Joe Runyan to contract extensions. With Slayton's departure, the Giants now have Darnell Mooney, Odell Beckham Jr., and rookie Malachi Fields as their wide receiver options, filling the No. 1 spot.

Beckham Jr., who had not played in the NFL since 2024, earned a place on the active roster after a successful training camp. Lastly, the team has Braxton Berrios on the practice squad to provide additional receiver depth.