Giants Part Ways With $36 Million WR in Surprise Move

Posted Sep 8, 2026

East Rutherford, New Jersey — The New York Giants made one of their most surprising roster decisions before the 2026 season by releasing veteran receiver Darius Slayton.

The move officially ended Slayton’s seven-year tenure with the franchise, despite his consistent production and important role.

According to league sources, Giants decided to move forward without the $36 million wide receiver entering the regular season.

Slayton signed a three-year, $36 million contract extension before the 2025 campaign, making the decision even more unexpected.

The veteran receiver became one of the most reliable offensive weapons for New York throughout multiple difficult seasons.

Since being selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Slayton consistently exceeded expectations.

The Auburn product developed into a dependable target while becoming one of the longest-tenured players inside the Giants organization.

During his Giants career, Slayton recorded 296 receptions, 4,435 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns across 106 games.

Those numbers placed him among the top statistical receivers in franchise history.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz highlighted Slayton’s importance, noting that he ranked among the Giants’ top 15 all-time leaders.

The release was not based on a lack of production, but rather a shift in the team’s roster direction.

New York has continued reshaping its offensive identity under the new coaching staff and front-office vision.

The Giants believe younger players can better fit the future structure they are building around quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Slayton’s departure represents another step away from the previous era of Giants football.

The organization has spent the offseason removing several familiar faces while creating a different competitive foundation.

Despite the surprising decision, Slayton handled the situation with professionalism and appreciation toward the franchise.

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

The financial impact of the move also became part of the discussion surrounding the release.

Because $9.8 million of Slayton’s $12.3 million salary was already guaranteed, New York gained limited immediate cap relief.

The Giants saved approximately $2.5 million by removing him from the Week 1 roster.

However, the organization will still carry significant financial responsibility for a player now joining another team.

Several analysts believe Slayton should attract interest from teams searching for veteran receiving depth.

His experience, speed, and ability to create explosive plays remain valuable traits in today’s NFL.

For seven seasons, Slayton represented stability during a period of major transition in New York.

He remained productive despite changes at quarterback, coaching staff, and offensive philosophy.

The Giants now believe a new chapter requires difficult decisions, even involving respected veterans.

Slayton’s release sends a clear message that no player is guaranteed a roster position.

New York is prioritizing long-term development and building a roster designed around its future goals.

While fans may question losing such a familiar player, the Giants believe the move fits their new direction.

For Slayton, the next opportunity could arrive quickly as multiple teams need experienced wide receivers.

His time in New York may be over, but his NFL career remains far from finished.

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Giants Sign Son of NFL All-Pro to $22 Million Contract Extension
East Rutherford, New Jersey — The New York Giants have secured offensive line continuity, agreeing with starting guard Jon Runyan Jr. on a two-year, $22 million extension. The agreement includes $21.5 million guaranteed, giving Runyan significant financial security while reinforcing his importance to New York’s revamped offensive structure. Runyan, 29, entered the final season of his previous three-year, $30 million contract signed with the Giants before the 2024 season. The extension keeps a proven starter in place while the Giants continue attempting to establish stability across an offensive line that has struggled recently. Runyan originally entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection, going No. 192 overall to the Green Bay Packers in the 2020 draft. Before reaching the league, he developed into a two-time All-Big Ten selection at Michigan, establishing the technical foundation that helped him earn opportunities professionally. Runyan became a full-time starter during his second NFL season, eventually starting 50 of 51 possible regular-season games across his next three seasons. That consistency helped position him for a three-year contract with New York, where he has served as the Giants’ starting left guard since 2024. His new extension represents another significant commitment from an organization determined to create continuity while building around a new coaching and offensive philosophy. Runyan is also carrying a recognizable football name, as his father, Jon Runyan Sr., was an NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowl offensive tackle. The younger Runyan has nevertheless established his own professional identity, earning his place through durability, preparation and years of consistent starting experience. New York’s decision comes despite uneven evaluations of Runyan’s recent performance, including a 2025 Pro Football Focus grade of 53.0. That ranking placed him 67th among 81 qualifying players at his position, highlighting why the extension may reflect roster stability as much as individual production. The Giants have undergone considerable change, and keeping an experienced interior lineman gives the offense one less major position to rebuild. Runyan’s familiarity with the organization should also help as New York prepares for another season under head coach John Harbaugh. The Giants are asking their offensive line to become more dependable, physical and disciplined within a system demanding greater consistency from every position. Runyan’s experience could prove particularly valuable for younger teammates who are still adjusting to new terminology, responsibilities and expectations inside the offensive unit. The extension also arrives on the same day New York agreed to a new contract with veteran backup quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston received a two-year, $13 million extension, reflecting the organization’s desire to preserve leadership and stability around developing quarterback Jaxson Dart. Together, the agreements signal that the Giants are not simply relying on youth while reshaping their roster under Harbaugh. Instead, New York appears willing to invest heavily in experienced players it believes can provide dependable leadership during an important transition. For Runyan, the extension offers another opportunity to demonstrate that his future in New York can be defined by consistency rather than outside evaluations. For the Giants, the investment is straightforward: protect their quarterback, strengthen the interior offensive line and maintain continuity while the franchise pursues a different identity. With the regular season approaching, Runyan now has both financial security and increased responsibility as New York attempts to build an offensive foundation capable of competing immediately.

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