On Wednesday, it was reported that New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is not at voluntary workouts. The reason? He wants a contract extension.
There’s nothing wrong with that. Due just $6.2 million this upcoming season, why not ask for more money? I have no issue whatsoever with players fighting to get the money they deserve.
However, this is the New York Giants. Cap space is an issue as it is. The front office has a draft they have to worry about next week. Dealing with Slayton shouldn’t be a priority, but we shouldn’t blink an eye if the Giants let him go.
The Giants Should Keep Darius Slayton.
Giving the former Auburn wide receiver an extension isn’t the worst idea in the world. In fact, it actually makes sense. Slayton has led the team in receiving in four of the past five seasons, despite not surpassing 1,000 yards. Yes, that’s how bad things have been offensively for the Giants.
But, Slayton continues to produce despite the mediocre quarterback play. His deep-threat ability and decent speed are why he’s been the team’s WR1 for so long.
His 15.1 yards per reception are fourth most among the 79 pass-catchers with 200-plus receptions over the past five seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information. That puts him ahead of Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk and Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins in that category.
ESPN on Darius Slayton deep play ability
Once known for constant drops and unreliable hands, he improved mightily in 2023.
There’s an argument Slayton just needs a competent quarterback to get him the ball, and he can be a dangerous weapon for this offense. He has shown that he has the skills and has produced when called upon. With other needs to address, going wide receiver in the first or even second round may not be necessary. Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt are not that bad of a trio to work with.
But, The Giants Don’t Really Need Him
However, the Giants don’t necessarily need Slayton. Many mock drafts have the Giants selecting a wideout in the first round. The reasons for doing so vary, but mostly because the top three quarterbacks in the draft will likely be gone by the sixth overall. So, why not grab a TRUE WR1? Whether it’s Marvin Harrison Jr, Rome Odunze, or Malik Nabers, the Giants will have their choice.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility the Giants will solve two major offensive needs in the first two rounds. If they go wide receiver in the first round, they could also grab a quarterback in the second round (cough cough, Michael Penix Jr). The best of both worlds? I would say so.
Out of all the quarterbacks in the draft, Penix is the best pocket passer in the draft. Teams are scared just because of his injury history and age. But, you can’t deny his talent.
Let’s say the Giants do draft Nabers. His explosiveness and talent are eye-popping, and the team would make up for their mistake of letting Odell Beckham Jr. go to Cleveland years ago. Both guys being LSU products, the former will not bring much drama like the latter did (no I had no problem with that) and will produce immediately.
Regardless of the receiver the Giants get in the first round, Slayton’s role decreases. It’s to the point where he may be the WR4 on the team. Hyatt is a promising threat on the outside, and Wan’Dale Robinson was, not too long ago, a second-round pick who looks to be the long-term slot receiver.
So, where does that leave Slayton? Will he be happy with a decreased role? Common sense says no.
Trading Slayton for a mid-round pick isn’t out of the question. Teams could use a wideout like him. For the Giants, yes they should appreciate what he brought to the team. But, there is such a thing as too many receivers. You have your star WR1, solid WR2/3, and depth pieces. Slayton may be the odd one out here, unfortunately.
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