Giants shockingly release longest-tenured player Darius Slayton as John Harbaugh era begins
Darius Slayton posted a heartfelt farewell after the New York Giants surprisingly cut their longest-tenured player just days before Week 1.
TL;DR
- Wide receiver Darius Slayton, the longest-tenured New York Giant, was surprisingly released before the start of the 2026 NFL season.
- The move saves the Giants approximately $3 million in cap space, with Slayton having a $15.9 million cap hit in 2026.
- Slayton, a fifth-round pick in 2019, provided depth at receiver for seven years despite multiple coaching changes and inconsistent touchdown production after his rookie season.
- The Giants' acquisition of new receivers like Calvin Austin III, Darnell Mooney, Odell Beckham Jr., and drafting Malachi Fields created competition for roster spots.
- Slayton's release suggests that rookie Malik Nabers may be ready for Week 1 action against the Dallas Cowboys.