Darius Slayton, a guy who’s been a staple for the Giants, is seriously on the bubble as Sunday’s cuts loom large. While everyone’s buzzing about whether former star Odell Beckham Jr. makes the squad in his return, Slayton’s own future in the Big Apple is looking pretty shaky.
Slayton’s On-Field Struggle and Preseason Usage
Look, Paul Schwartz from the New York Post dropped a report that’s got some hard facts backing it up. Slayton, the fifth-round pick from 2019, isn’t “moving the same” after getting surgery for a sports hernia. That’s a huge red flag right there. And get this: in the preseason finale against the Jets, a game where the obvious starters were mostly chilling on the sidelines, Slayton was out there extensively. He even stayed in when Jameis Winston subbed out for Brandon Allen, which is usually a sign a player is fighting for a spot. He and Beckham, who might be battling for the same roster spot, both logged 33 snaps. Isaiah Hodgins and Dalen Cambre were out there even more, with 37 snaps each. That kind of usage when the chips are down? It tells you everything about where he stands with the team right now.
The Massive Contract and Cap Hit Problem
Now, let’s talk about the cold, hard cash because that makes this whole situation even crazier. Slayton signed a three-year, $36 million deal last year. He’s set to pocket $12.25 million in salary this season, plus another $500,000 in per-game active roster bonuses. The kicker? A whopping $9.75 million of that salary is fully guaranteed! If the Giants decide to cut him, they’re still staring down a $12.75 million cap charge for 2026. That’s a massive hit for a guy who might not even be moving right. It’s a brutal financial reality for the team, making this a seriously tough call. You’ve got a veteran who’s been with the team for seven seasons, appearing in 106 regular-season games with 78 starts, but the performance and the money are just not lining up.
So, come Sunday, the Giants front office has a brutal choice to make. Do they keep a veteran wideout who’s clearly struggling post-surgery and carries a hefty guaranteed salary and cap hit? Or do they bite the bullet on the $12.75 million charge to free up a roster spot? This isn’t just about talent; it’s about business and finding players who can contribute right now. Giants fans will be holding their breath to see how this plays out before the final cuts.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply