Jaxson Dart watched on as the New York Jets, under first-year head coach John Harbaugh, finished the preseason with a 2-1 record following their 23-6 win over the New York Jets. Now, the Giants will look to open the 2026 NFL season with an NFC East win, hitting the road to face the Dallas Cowboys.
Dart had a solid start to his NFL career during his rookie season in 2025. The first-round quarterback out of Ole Miss completed 216-of-339 passes for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also added nine scores on the ground.
However, going into his second year in New York, Dart will be without one of his top receivers from a year ago.
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Darius Slayton was selected by the New York Giants with the No. 171 pick in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The former Auburn wide receiver earned a spot on the team’s roster as a rookie and has remained a key pass catcher ever since, totaling 296 receptions for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns in 106 career games.
Even in 2025, Slayton was one of Dart’s favorite targets, recording 37 receptions for 538 yards and a touchdown. However, with wide receiver Malik Nabers returning from injury, along with the additions of Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields and Odell Beckham Jr., Slayton found himself on the roster bubble entering the 2026 season.
And sure enough, on Monday, the Giants announced they had decided to release Slayton after seven seasons, leaving Dart without one of his top pass catchers going forward.
“We have released WR Darius Slayton,” the New York Giants wrote on X.
Slayton also released a statement following his time in New York.
“Grateful for my time in NY. 7 years a Giant, nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL,” Slayton said. “Excited to see what’s next”
The Giants will face the Cowboys on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET.
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