Giants release veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton before season opener

The New York Giants have released veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton, marking the departure of the team's longest-tenured player just days before the season opener. Head coach John Harbaugh stated the decision was based on multiple factors, including the need to comply with NFL salary cap regulations. The move saves the team approximately $3.16 million against the cap, though it forces the organization to absorb $12.75 million in dead money. The roster currently features only four wide receivers, including Malik Nabers, who is returning from multiple knee surgeries, and offseason signees Darnell Mooney, Odell Beckham Jr., and Malachi Fields. None of the remaining wideouts have regular-season experience catching passes from quarterback Jaxson Dart. Harbaugh dismissed suggestions that the timing of the release was strategic, describing it as a personnel decision aimed at the team's long-term future.

• 9:55 AMYahoo Sports — Giants' John Harbaugh explains release of Darius Slayton. Kind of