The New York Giants announced Tuesday afternoon that they have released veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton.
Slayton, 29, was drafted by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and was, up until his release, the longest-tenured Giant on the roster.
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The Giants create just $3.16 million in cap space while taking on $12.75 million in dead cap money by releasing Slayton.
Slayton made an immediate impact for the Giants as a rookie. His uncommon blend of size and speed made him a much-needed deep threat, and he quickly built a strong rapport with fellow 2019 draftee, quarterback Daniel Jones. While Slayton never cracked 800 yards receiving, he did eclipse 700 yards in four of his first five seasons (2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023). He led the Giants in receiving in each of those seasons.
Slayton quickly took to social media after his release.
That said, while Slayton provided a much-needed vertical element to the Giants’ offense, he has struggled to consistently generate separation with his route running. He has also struggled with drops throughout his career.
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Slayton played in 106 games for the Giants, starting 78. He has 296 catches for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns as a Giant. Despite his limitations, Slayton was an undeniable hit as a fifth-round pick.
Slayton had double sports hernia surgery in the offseason, and recently admitted that he still did not feel he was running as well as he could.
The release of Slayton positions Darnell Mooney and rookie Malachi Fields to be primary receivers along with Malik Nabers and Odell Beckham Jr.
It remains to be seen how the Giants will fill the roster hole created by releasing Slayton. They could sign Braxton Berrios to their active roster, or they could add a free agent and keep their trio of returners on the practice squad. The Giants also have wide receivers Dalen Cambre, Jalin Hyatt, and newly-signed Charlie Jones on the practice squad.
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