New York Giants extensive receiver Darius Slayton was a scorching matter on the NFL commerce deadline however normal supervisor Joe Schoen opted to maintain him in East Rutherford.
That has been a theme for Slayton over the previous a number of years, usually discovering himself as the middle of commerce consideration and contract hypothesis.
This previous offseason, Slayton briefly held out whereas looking for a long-term supply earlier than lastly deciding on a modified one-year cope with added incentives. He wager on himself, very like operating again Saquon Barkley did a 12 months prior, and now it seems to be paying off.
Slayton has 32 receptions for 469 yards and one landing in 9 video games performed. His 469 receiving yards are second on the crew and his 14.7 yards per reception tops all Giants pass-catchers.
At his present tempo, Slayton will end the season with roughly 834 receiving yards, which is barely increased than his profession common. It’s additionally a testomony to his outstanding consistency.
Marcus Mosher of The thirty third Staff believes Slayton is lastly enjoying his means into a giant contract; one which many consider is well-deserved.
The 2025 extensive receiver class is loaded with big-name gamers, and it’s one of many deeper courses we’ve seen in recent times.
Nevertheless, accidents are already an element. Stefon Diggs (torn ACL) and Chris Godwin (dislocated ankle) suffered season-ending accidents in 2024. Tee Higgins is the highest receiver in the marketplace, however he’s missed an excellent chunk of this season with a number of lower-body accidents.
Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins, and Keenan Allen are different former No. 1 receivers anticipated to hit the market. Nonetheless, they’re all getting older, and most groups don’t wish to pay receivers who’re already 31 or older. That’s why somebody like Darius Slayton might be one of many greatest surprises on the extensive receiver place in free company.
We noticed Darnell Mooney earn a pleasant contract ($13M/12 months) from the Falcons regardless of totaling simply 414 yards throughout the 2023 season. Slayton has already surpassed these numbers in 2024, however he brings an analogous dynamic as a big-play service provider who can win down the sphere.
Slayton turns 28 in January, so he’s not the youngest receiver in the marketplace. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to anticipate that groups can be chasing Slayton’s upside with the hope of pairing him with a real No. 1 receiver on an excellent offense. With Jerry Jeudy incomes a $17.5 million contract final offseason, search for Slayton’s numbers to be related.
Mosher places Slayton’s projected AAV at $17 million per season, which is able to seemingly get rid of him from the Giants’ plans regardless of their overwhelming respect for him. And with quarterback Daniel Jones additionally prone to exit East Rutherford, Slayton can be extra inclined to hunt a deal elsewhere.
If anybody deserves the large payday, it’s Slayton.
