Darius Slayton, Giants reunite: Why WR is a perfect fit next to Malik Nabers
The New York Giants and wide receiver Darius Slayton just can’t quit each other. For the second time in his career, Slayton hit free agency with all signs pointing to a departure. But just like in 2023, Slayton is sticking in New York. Slayton and the Giants agreed to terms on a new three-year deal worth $36 million, according to league sources.
The 28-year-old Slayton was ranked No. 50 overall on The Athletic’s updated top 150 free-agent rankings and the sixth-highest wide receiver. A fifth-round pick out of Auburn in the 2019 NFL Draft, Slayton has spent his entire six-year career with the Giants. Slayton previously remained with the Giants on a two-year, $12 million contract signed during the 2023 offseason.
The 6-foot-1, 198-pound receiver produced as a big-play threat for New York. In 92 games, he has 259 receptions, 3,897 receiving yards, 21 touchdowns and an average of 15.0 yards per reception — he has only had one season where he has averaged less than 14.7 yards per catch. Slayton established a career high in receiving yards (770) in 2023 and has had two seasons with 50 receptions (2020 and 2023). His career-high in touchdowns (eight) came in his rookie season of 2019 and he’s tallied four seasons (2019-20, 2022-23) with at least 700 receiving yards.
Slayton will fit like a glove as the No. 2 wide receiver opposite rookie phenom Malik Nabers. Slayton was off to a typically productive start to last season until his production cratered after quarterback Daniel Jones was benched in Week 12.
Slayton’s ability as a field-stretcher is an ideal complement to Nabers’ all-around dominance. Slayton’s 15 yards per catch average is tied for sixth highest in the NFL since he entered the NFL.
Slayton also provides important intangibles to a locker room that has seen an exodus of homegrown talent in recent years. Slayton was a particularly valuable resource for Nabers, often helping the talented rookie line up before the snap.
The Giants have the same receiver room as last season with Slayton, Nabers and slot Wan’Dale Robinson. Slayton’s return isn’t welcomed news for 2023 third-round pick Jalin Hyatt, who was buried on the depth chart last season. Hyatt wasn’t happy with his reduced role last season, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he requests a trade with his path to playing time blocked by Slayton’s re-signing.
It’s hard to fully assess the receivers without knowing who will be at quarterback. If the Giants land an established veteran like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson, Slayton should continue to be a productive secondary target. If they draft a rookie, Slayton’s experience should make him a valuable resource for a young quarterback.
Slayton’s contract is solid value for a proven No. 2 receiver. Far less accomplished receivers have been landing contracts worth at least $10 million per year in this inflated free-agent market.
It’s too soon to say how Slayton’s contract will impact the cap because the structure of the deal isn’t yet known. The Giants entered the day with roughly $47 million in cap space, so they aren’t facing a financial crunch at this stage. Of course, that could change whenever they add a quarterback.
Re-signing Slayton maintains a reliable presence to complement Nabers and Robinson. Slayton doesn’t have as big a name as some other receivers on the market, but the 28-year-old is younger and has no questions about his fit with the locker room. Slayton isn’t the type of player that is going to lift the Giants to new heights. But he helps establish the floor at receiver, which is important with so much uncertainty at quarterback.
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