If there is one word that has followed Darius Slayton throughout his NFL career, it is… underrated. But there is a reason that label stuck. The longest-tenured offensive player on the New York Giants has had an unfortunate reputation for drops. That was on display again in December 2025, when Slayton dropped an over-the-shoulder catch that would have gone for a 35-yard touchdown against the Commanders. That missed opportunity haunted him.

For Slayton, the disappointment was undoubtedly difficult to swallow. But in a sport where numbers often make the final call, the Giants couldn’t wait for things to turn around. The latest chapter has now arrived: New York has parted ways with Slayton, creating $3 million in cap space for this year.

“Grateful for my time in NY,” Slayton wrote on X. “7 years a Giant nothing, but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL. Excited to see what’s next 🙏.”

The Giants’ decision didn’t come out of nowhere. There were a couple of factors behind the move, starting with Slayton’s struggles last season. And unfortunately for the veteran receiver, the drops that have followed him throughout his career remained part of the conversation.

Since entering the league in 2019, the player recorded 26 drops, tying him for the 12th-most among wide receivers.

Plus, his production through the seven-year tenure wasn’t really consistent. Over the last two years, his production declined. Slayton wrapped up the 2025 season with 37 receptions for 538 yards, down from 39 receptions for 573 yards in 2024 and from 50 receptions for 770 yards in 2023.

Last season, he scored only one touchdown, and overall, it was his lowest production in the last five years. But it doesn’t end there.

The summer brought another hurdle for Slayton. After undergoing core muscle surgery in the spring, he found himself out of favor with new head coach John Harbaugh. He never quite found his footing in Harbaugh’s new offense or under the new coaching staff.

During his seven seasons with New York, the wide receiver played 106 games. Through this period, his quarterback targeted him 522 times, and he caught 296 passes for 4,435 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. Surprisingly, Slayton recorded a career-best in his rookie year, scoring eight touchdowns.

His long tenure with the Giants, coupled with the fact that he made the initial 53-man roster cut on August 30, is the reason why Slayton’s removal feels sad. But it was not a surprise.

The Giants were already dropping hints!

The signs of Slayton’s uncertain future were already there. They added wide receiver Darnell Mooney in free agency, then doubled down by bringing Odell Beckham Jr. aboard in the spring.

Here’s the thing: Coach Harbaugh definitely wanted Beckham to be part of the rotation. Meanwhile, Malik Nabers was targeting a Week 1 return (knee injury), rookie Malachi Fields had been turning heads, and both Mooney and Beckham sat ahead of Slayton on the depth chart. It didn’t look like things would turn around in Slayton’s favor.

With more competition arriving at the position, the hints about his future were already out there.

Plus, reports suggest that New York was willing to listen to trade offers for Slayton as the final roster cuts approached. But there was a major obstacle standing in the way: his significant salary made it difficult for the Giants to find a trade partner.

Slayton, too, knew he was about to be released.

“You kind of just figure out the league the more you’re around,” Slayton had mentioned last week. “At the end of the day, you control what you can control and let the rest fall where it may.”

Now, Slayton’s next chapter will begin elsewhere. As a vested veteran, he is not subject to waivers, making him a free agent who can sign with any team.

Are any teams interested in Slayton?

An insider told the Exhibit News Network’s Josina Anderson that three teams have reportedly reached out to acquire Slayton following his release. Those are just preliminary discussions as of now. But according to Anderson, the Indianapolis Colts could be the next possible home for the 29-year-old WR.

After all, Slayton already has a good relationship with their quarterback, Daniel Jones, who played for the Giants between 2019 and 2024.

For now, Darius Slayton will likely take some time to weigh his options.

It certainly seems like the Giants needed to shed some salary cap space and make a path for their newly acquired receivers. But they’re paying a hefty price for letting a trusted veteran walk away.