Darius Slayton expressed his gratitude to New York Giants fans after the team released him just days before the season opener on "Sunday Night Football." In a post on X, he stated, "Grateful for my time in NY. 7 years a Giant nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL. Excited to see what’s next."
Reports indicated that Slayton's position on the roster was uncertain following the Giants' final preseason game. The team drafted Slayton in the fifth round in 2019, and he completed seven seasons with the Giants, recording 296 catches for 4,435 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns.
Following his release, NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that three teams had initiated preliminary discussions with Slayton, although no specific teams were mentioned. She noted that the Indianapolis Colts might be a possibility due to Slayton's prior connection with quarterback Daniel Jones.
The Giants' decision to release Slayton, their longest-tenured player, freed up $3 million in salary cap space. The team had attempted to trade him, but a deal did not materialize, leading to the decision to cut him. Last week, Slayton commented on his role in the Giants' receiving corps, stating he viewed himself as "just another playmaker" among the talented players on the roster.