In 2025, Slayton totaled 37 catches for 538 yards and one touchdown. He was regarded as a respected presence in the locker room, but his performance had been hampered by a high number of drops, and he frequently found himself at the bottom of the depth chart heading into the season.
The decision comes after the Giants extended Slayton to a three-year, $36 million contract in the previous offseason, a deal that included a $13 million cap hit for the upcoming year. The release will save the team a little over $3 million in immediate cap space, but it creates a dead cap charge of approximately $12.749 million.
Context around the move suggests a shift in the team’s wide receiver plan. New York had been leaning toward using more 12-personnel packages—two tight ends and two receivers—during the season. The Giants had also added veteran receivers in free agency, including Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Braxton Berrios, and later traded up to draft Malachi Fields in the third round at pick 74. These acquisitions contributed to a crowded receiver room, affecting Slayton’s role and his availability on game days.
Following his release, Slayton commented on social media, expressing gratitude for his seven years with the Giants and excitement about what comes next. His 4,435 career receiving yards rank as the 12th-highest in the franchise’s history, marking a notable chapter in his time with New York.
As Slayton explores opportunities with other teams, the Giants will reassess their receiving corps and depth at the position, balancing cap considerations with the need to maintain a productive and versatile group for the upcoming seasons.
