Surprisingly, the New York Giants released veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton ahead of the 2026 season, and one CBS Sports writer believes the San Francisco 49ers could make sense as a potential landing spot.
The Giants selected Slayton in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and the veteran receiver is entering his eighth NFL season. He has totaled 296 receptions for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns during his career, establishing himself as a reliable contributor without quite developing into an impact playmaker.
Slayton's career high in receiving yards came in 2023, when he recorded 770 yards. His best season for touchdowns came as a rookie in 2019, when he found the end zone eight times.
In 2025, Slayton recorded 538 receiving yards and just one touchdown while appearing in 14 games, including 12 starts.
CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo believes the 49ers could be a potential landing spot for the veteran receiver, noting that San Francisco's wide receiver room has undergone significant changes this offseason.
The biggest loss was Jauan Jennings, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings. While Brandon Aiyuk technically remains on the 49ers' roster, he is essentially a non-factor after remaining on the reserve/left squad list. He could have already played his final NFL snap.
The 49ers addressed the position by signing veteran Mike Evans and bringing Deebo Samuel back to San Francisco. The team also used its top draft pick, No. 33 overall, on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who has stood out throughout training camp and the preseason.
Still, DeArdo believes San Francisco could benefit from adding another veteran to the position.
"San Francisco could still use some reinforcements at the position after former first-round pick Ricky Pearsall was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury," DeArdo wrote. "Slayton would give the 49ers much-needed depth while complementing the rest of the team's skill players."
Slayton could provide the 49ers with another experienced option in the receiving corps while offering additional depth behind their top targets.
DeArdo also identified the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and Tennessee Titans as potential landing spots for Slayton.
More info on: Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, Deebo Samuel, De'Zhaun Stribling
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