NEW YORK GIANTS CUT LONGEST-SERVING PLAYER DAYS BEFORE SEASON

The New York Giants released wide receiver Darius Slayton days before their 2026 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Slayton had been with the franchise since the 2019 NFL Draft, when the Giants selected him in the fifth round from Auburn University. He posted a message on X following his release, stating: "Grateful for my time in NY. 7 years a Giant nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organisations in the NFL. Excited to see what's next." The move came shortly after Slayton made the initial 53-man roster cut on 30 August.

Over seven seasons, Slayton appeared in 106 games, recording 296 receptions for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns from 522 targeted passes. His production had declined in recent years: he recorded 50 receptions for 770 yards in 2023, 39 receptions for 573 yards in 2024, and 37 receptions for 538 yards in 2025, scoring only one touchdown last season. Slayton underwent sports hernia surgery on 28 April and was reportedly not at his best during training camp. The Giants added wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Odell Beckham Jr. during the offseason, with rookie Malachi Fields also joining the receiver room.

Coach John Harbaugh stated he needed to see promise from Slayton in preseason games. Slayton secured four receptions for 58 yards in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins, meeting that threshold. Slayton had signed a three-year, $36 million contract extension in 2025 with $9.75 million guaranteed for the 2026 season. The release marks an unexpected end to his tenure as the Giants' longest-serving player.