The Giants made a surprising call less than a week before their season opener against the Cowboys, releasing veteran wideout Darius Slayton.
Slayton, 29, was the longest-tenured player on the roster and was set to earn $13 million this season. A fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, he spent his entire Giants career producing steady numbers: 296 catches on 522 targets for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns.
He never turned into a true star in New York, but he carved out a reliable role and did it with efficiency. Over his Giants run, Slayton posted four seasons with at least 700 receiving yards and averaged 15 yards per catch.
His final season was his quietest. In 14 games, he finished with 37 receptions on 63 targets for 538 yards and one touchdown. Over his last six games of the 2025 season, he topped 50 receiving yards only once.
Even with that down year, Slayton should draw interest quickly. He has been a former team captain and has shown he can handle a complementary role without needing the offense built around him.
A few teams stand out as logical fits.
The Colts are an obvious one. They still have Alec Pierce, but they lost Michael Pittman when he was traded to the Steelers during the offseason.
Indianapolis also recently signed Keenan Allen, who was arrested late last month for suspected DUI. At minimum, Slayton would add receiver depth for a team that needs it.
The Jets are another natural landing spot. Garrett Wilson is the clear top option there, and Slayton could help ease the load while also giving support to Omar Cooper Jr., the 30th overall pick in April’s draft. His experience and leadership could matter as Cooper adjusts to the league.
New Orleans also fits after the Saints took a hit at receiver. Rookie first-round pick Jordyn Tyson is on injured reserve after a right hamstring injury suffered during a joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he is expected to miss about two months.
That leaves rookie fourth-round pick Bryce Lance slated to start with Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele. Slayton wouldn’t necessarily jump Lance right away, but he could lighten the burden and give Tyler Shough another trustworthy option.
San Francisco is worth watching too. The 49ers signed Buccaneers legend Mike Evans and re-signed Deebo Samuel after losing Jauan Jennings to the Vikings in free agency and dealing with Brandon Aiyuk’s continued absence, which appears to have been his final down with the team, if not the NFL.
With Ricky Pearsall now on season-ending injured reserve because of a knee injury, the 49ers could use more help at receiver. Slayton would give them depth and fit alongside their other skill talent.
The Patriots also make sense. Mike Vrabel recently said his team is not very deep, and New England could use help after Kayshon Boutte was traded to the Houston Texans.
Slayton would give Drake Maye another proven target and help draw some attention away from A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs.
Dallas is in the mix as well, even with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens already on the roster. In a pass-heavy offense, another experienced receiver could still be useful. The Cowboys also face the Giants in Week 1, and Slayton could potentially provide intel on new Giants coach John Harbaugh's offense.
Tennessee rounds out the list. The Titans need help at receiver, and Slayton would be reunited with offensive coordinator and former Giants coach Brian Daboll in Nashville. Two of Slayton’s best seasons came during Daboll’s run as Giants coach.
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