The New York Giants have a new-look wide receiver room following the release of longtime wideout Darius Slayton.
New York released Slayton ahead of the 2026 NFL regular season, removing one of the team’s most experienced receivers from the depth chart.
So, what is the NY Giants updated WR depth chart after releasing Darius Slayton?
The Giants’ wide receiver group is now led by Malik Nabers, with Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields and Odell Beckham Jr. rounding out the primary receivers on the active roster.
Here is a closer look at the New York Giants updated wide receiver depth chart following Slayton’s departure.
NY Giants Updated WR Depth Chart
The Giants enter the 2026 season with Malik Nabers established as their No. 1 wide receiver.
| Position | Starter | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Left Wide Receiver | Malik Nabers | Odell Beckham Jr. |
| Right Wide Receiver | Malachi Fields | — |
| Slot Wide Receiver | Darnell Mooney | — |
The Giants’ primary active-roster wide receivers following Slayton’s release are:
- Malik Nabers
- Darnell Mooney
- Malachi Fields
- Odell Beckham Jr.
The relatively small group means New York could rely heavily on all four receivers while also using practice-squad elevations when additional depth is needed.
Who Is the Giants’ No. 1 Wide Receiver?
Malik Nabers is the New York Giants’ No. 1 wide receiver.
Nabers remains the centerpiece of the Giants’ passing attack and is expected to command a significant share of the team’s targets during the 2026 season.
The former LSU standout gives New York an explosive receiving threat capable of lining up in multiple positions across the formation.
With Slayton no longer on the roster, Nabers’ position as the leader of the Giants’ receiving corps becomes even clearer.
Where Does Darnell Mooney Fit on the Giants WR Depth Chart?
Darnell Mooney is expected to play a significant role in the Giants’ passing offense and can operate from the slot or outside.
Mooney provides New York with veteran experience and another established receiving option alongside Nabers.
His ability to stretch the field gives the Giants another vertical threat following Slayton’s departure.
Mooney could receive substantial playing time in three-receiver formations alongside Nabers and Malachi Fields.
Who Is Malachi Fields?
Malachi Fields is one of the young receivers expected to take on a larger role for the Giants following Darius Slayton’s release.
Fields gives New York another option on the outside and could see increased opportunities as the Giants establish their receiving rotation early in the season.
His position on the depth chart becomes particularly important with the Giants carrying a relatively small group of wide receivers on the active roster.
Odell Beckham Jr. Returns to Giants WR Depth Chart
Odell Beckham Jr. provides veteran depth behind the Giants’ starting wide receivers.
Beckham’s presence gives New York an experienced option who is already extremely familiar to Giants fans.
He originally entered the NFL with New York after the Giants selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Beckham developed into one of the league’s most recognizable receivers during his first stint with the franchise.
His role during his latest stint could include providing depth behind Nabers while also contributing in specific offensive packages.
Why Did the Giants Release Darius Slayton?
The Giants released Darius Slayton as they finalized their wide receiver group entering the 2026 season.
Slayton had been with New York since the Giants selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
His departure represents a significant change for a player who had spent his entire NFL career with the organization.
Slayton recorded 37 receptions for 538 receiving yards during the 2025 season.
His release creates additional opportunities for Fields, Beckham and other receivers behind Nabers and Mooney.
How Does Darius Slayton’s Release Affect the Giants?
Slayton’s departure removes an experienced deep threat from the Giants offense while opening additional snaps for the team’s remaining receivers.
Nabers remains the clear centerpiece of the receiving corps, while Mooney should also have a major role.
The biggest question could be how New York distributes snaps behind those two receivers.
Fields has an opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter, while Beckham gives the Giants another veteran option.
The Giants could also elevate additional receivers from the practice squad depending on injuries and weekly roster needs.
Giants Practice Squad Wide Receivers
The Giants also have additional wide receiver depth available on their practice squad.
Braxton Berrios and Jalin Hyatt are among the receivers who could potentially be elevated to the active roster when additional depth is required.
Practice-squad elevations give New York flexibility without requiring the Giants to immediately add another receiver to the permanent 53-man roster.
NY Giants WR Depth Chart FAQ
Who is the Giants’ No. 1 WR?
Malik Nabers is the New York Giants’ No. 1 wide receiver entering the 2026 NFL season.
Did the Giants release Darius Slayton?
Yes. The New York Giants released Darius Slayton ahead of the 2026 regular season.
Who are the Giants wide receivers after releasing Darius Slayton?
The Giants’ primary active-roster wide receivers are Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields and Odell Beckham Jr.
Is Odell Beckham Jr. back with the Giants?
Yes. Odell Beckham Jr. is back with the New York Giants and provides veteran depth in the team’s receiving corps.
Is Jalin Hyatt still with the Giants?
Yes. Jalin Hyatt remains with the Giants organization on the practice squad and could potentially be elevated to the active roster.
Giants WR Depth Chart After Darius Slayton Release
The release of Darius Slayton leaves the New York Giants with a significantly different wide receiver depth chart entering the 2026 season.
Malik Nabers remains the unquestioned No. 1 option, while Darnell Mooney gives the offense another experienced receiving threat.
Malachi Fields now has an opportunity to secure a larger role, while former Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. provides veteran depth.
With Braxton Berrios and Jalin Hyatt available on the practice squad, New York also has additional options if the Giants need to reinforce the position during the season.