Shock as the New York Giants ruthlessly cut their longest-serving player just days before season opener
The New York Giants have released wide receiver Darius Slayton, moving on from the organization’s longest-tenured player just days before their season opener.
Slayton was a fifth-round pick in 2019 and departs after seven seasons in the Big Apple. He survived three head coaches but has been axed by John Harbaugh.
Coming off core muscle surgery that slowed him during training camp, the 29-year-old had been relegated to second- and third-string duties.
Mired in trade rumors for the past month before NFL teams set their 53-man rosters, Slayton made the Giants’ but is now left searching for a new team.
Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields, Odell Beckham Jr and Braxton Berrios pushed Slayton out of a meaningful spot. However, Calvin Austin III has been ruled out for the season with a torn ACL so they could quickly become light if hit with more injuries.
‘Grateful for my time in NY. 7 years a Giant nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL,’ Slayton wrote on X. ‘Excited to see what’s next.’
The Giants have released Darius Slayton, moving on from their longest-tenured player
He survived three head coaches but has been axed by John Harbaugh before the new season
Slayton played 108 games for the Giants with 301 catches for 4,527 yards and 92 touchdowns
The Giants had been trying to trade Slayton but were unsuccessful so made the call to save $3.12 million against the salary cap and take on a dead charge of $12.75m, as well as $3m next year.
The Giants acted decisively because Slayton was already guaranteed $9m this season and the rest of his $12m salary was guaranteed on Saturday.
Slayton played in 108 regular season and playoff games for the Giants with 301 catches for 4,527 yards and 92 touchdowns.
He leaves ranked at No. 14 in franchise history for catches and No. 12 in receiving yards. Slayton led the team in yards in four of his first five seasons.
But his time in New York coincided with the team’s overall struggles. Since Slayton was drafted in 2019, they have made the playoffs and had a winning record just once.
They now go into the new season with hopes high under new coach Harbaugh and open their new season against the Dallas Cowboys in primetime on Sunday night.
