Darius Slayton recently generated some interest around the NFL, but it sounds like he’ll be staying in New York for at least Week 1. Giants GM said the wide receiver will be on the team for the start of the season, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post (on Twitter).
Slayton never appeared to be in the long-term plans of the new Giants regime. The wideout was shopped before the draft, and he was buried on the depth chart by the time the Giants hit the practice field. Still, he managed to secure a roster spot, and for the time being, he’ll slide in behind Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shepard, David Sills, and rookie second-round pick Wan’Dale Robinson on the depth chart.
With Slayton appearing to be on the outs in New York, we heard recently that several teams had reached out to the Giants about a trade. While the 25-year-old is temporarily staying put, he could continue to be a popular name in trade chatter, especially if the Giants struggle. Slayton is due a $2.54M base salary in 2022, a reasonable salary if a suitor has a role for him.
Slayton found himself in and out of the Giants starting lineup through his first three seasons in the NFL, but he’s shown flashes. Following a productive rookie campaign that saw him finish with 48 receptions for 740 yards and eight touchdowns, Slayton followed that up with 50 catches for 751 yards in 2020. However, he took a step back in 2021, finishing with career-lows in receptions (26), receiving yards (339), and touchdowns (two).
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