​EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The longest tenured player for the New York Giants is now a former Giant.Wide receiver Darius Slayton has been released by the team, the final member of the Class of 2019 that also included Daniel Jones and Dexter Lawrence, a group that came into the franchise three head coaches ago.Slayton, 29, had a slow start to the summer and missed the entire offseason program in the spring after undergoing double sports hernia surgery. And his absence was glaring as the John Harbaugh era kicked off.With the emergence of rookie Malachi Fields and the surprise return of Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants were facing the start to the 2026 season with Slayton likely staring at being inactive on game day. He was set to earn $12.5 million this season, and now the Giants will save $3.2 million against the salary cap with his release. The Giants are still on the hook for $12.7 million in dead money for 2026 and another $3 million in dead money in 2027 due to guarantees already paid out.The Giants could receive off-set relief in that number for this year if and when Slayton signs for the veteran minimum with another team ($1.3 million).”Grateful for my time in NY. 7 years a Giant,” Slayton wrote on X. “Nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL. Excited to see what’s next.”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 🙏🏾— Darius Slayton (@Young_Slay2) September 7, 2026Left tackle Andrew Thomas is now the longest-tenured player on the roster.The health of Malik Nabers is a significant factor within the Giants’ offense, and all signs have been pointing to the Giants’ third-year pro being ready for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys following ACL and meniscus surgery on his right knee.Slayton had a difficult season a year ago, and his drops have been a constant in his career. It’s not that Slayton was on the bubble all summer – he’s a glue guy – but as far as opportunities go, if he’s on the field, he has to be productive. That just was not the case, and in the final preseason game against the Jets, Slayton followed up a solid second preseason performance with zeroes across the board in extended playing time.What does the Giants’ depth chart at WR look like?Nabers and Fields will likely start in two-WR sets with Beckham and Darnell Mooney also factoring in, either in three-WR sets or other packages. The Giants could elevate Braxton Berrios from the practice squad; Harbaugh indicated that Berrios is being treated by the team as the 54th man, essentially, on the active roster. He is expected to serve as the Giants’ punt returner.This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New York Giants release Darius Slayton, their longest-tenured player