The New York Giants are moving on from their longest-tenured player, and it's going to cost them.
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New York released veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton on Monday, just one season after signing him to a three-year, $36 million contract.
Slayton, 29, was due $13 million this season, with $9.75 million guaranteed. The Giants will create only about $3 million in salary-cap space by releasing him.
So, yeah, they apparently decided it was time anyway.
Slayton had spent his entire seven-year NFL career with the Giants, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Auburn. He finishes his time in New York with 296 receptions for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns.
He led the Giants in receiving yards four times, including each of his first two seasons.
But Slayton's place on the roster became increasingly uncertain under new coach John Harbaugh.
He underwent core muscle surgery during the offseason, and New York added Darnell Mooney and former Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. to a receiving corps that already included Malik Nabers. Rookie Malachi Fields also impressed the new coaching staff.
According to ESPN, the Giants explored trading Slayton, but his salary made finding a deal difficult.
"Grateful for my time in NY," Slayton wrote on X following his release. "7 years a Giant nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL. Excited to see what's next."
Slayton caught 37 passes for 538 yards and one touchdown last season.
As a vested veteran, he won't have to go through waivers and can sign with another team immediately.
Given his track record, chances are somebody will call.
Just probably not with another three-year, $36 million contract waiting for him.
