Harbaugh says the decision to release the Giants' longest-tenured player was purely about building the right team — and insists Slayton "is going to be fine."

New York will absorb $12.7 million in dead money on the move, cutting ties with its 2019 fifth-round pick after a decline in production this season.

Darius Slayton's release surprised many after the Giants signed him to a three-year, $36 million deal last year, including $9.75 million guaranteed in 2026.