Darius Slayton has long been floated as a trade candidate, and he could draw interest as an expiring contract ahead of the 2024 deadline. The veteran wideout does not anticipate being moved by the Giants over the coming weeks, however. 
“It’s not the first time in my career I’ve been a trade deadline topic,” the 27-year-old said (via Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.com). “It’s probably like the third or fourth time. It’s nothing I haven’t been through before. Obviously all those other times, I still remained here. As for now, I expect that to happen once again — that I’ll be here.”
The 2024 offseason resulted in a short-lived contract dispute between team and player in this case. Slayton was absent from spring practices while attempting to land a new or revised contract. He and the Giants ultimately agreed to a restructure carrying incentives for the 2024 campaign. While New York did not give thought to moving on from Slayton, a deal would not have come as a surprise to the former fifth-rounder.
Slayton’s role in the Giants’ offense was a talking point during the summer, and he would have been on board with a change of scenery if the team planned to lessen his workload in 2024. Instead, Slayton has logged a snap share of 81% this season, remaining a top option in the passing attack. Given the heavy reliance on first-round rookie Malik Nabers, though, Slayton has only received 15 targets through four games. That has resulted in 10 catches for 122 scoreless yards, although a larger role could await him if Nabers’ concussion keeps him out of the lineup in Week 5.
Jalin Hyatt spent the offseason competing with Slayton for a starting spot alongside Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson. Hyatt impressed during training camp, but he has been confirmed to backup duties so far this year. In spite of that, and a reported expression in frustration during the summer, the Giants are not looking to move the 2023 third-rounder. Both Hyatt and Slayton are likely to remain in place for the time being, although New York could adopt a seller’s approach toward the trade deadline depending on the team’s record.
Slayton changed agents in August, a notable move considering 2024 represents a walk year. Strong production from the Auburn product (who led the Giants in receiving during four of his first five years with the team) would help his market value provided he reaches free agency. As things stand, that will be the first time at which joining a new team will be possible.
If you set aside a hundred bucks every time a Giants-Slayton breakup was rumored, it would pay the dead cap hit if they finally traded him.
seriously. In other news, Brandon Aiyuk isn’t satisfied with his money and Colin Kaepernick is available if an NFL team wants him.
One of the criticisms I have of the Giants front office, and GM Joe Schoen in particular, is that they don’t maximize assets. For example they were clearly done with Saquon Barkley and should have moved him at the trade deadline for assets. I feel as though Slayton is just keeping his spot open for Hyatt while the later refines his route tree and gets experience. If that’s the case move him at the deadline and gets experience some sort of an asset for him, rather than let him walk on FA.
If they were smart, they would trade him and get whatever they can for him.
Yes, you could argue he could fit into draft pick compensation, so it wouldn’t be letting him walk for nothing, but I highly doubt it will be anything more than an extra 6th/7th Round pick….
I’m pretty sure they can get a 4th/5th for him at the deadline,.especially since there are so many WR needy contenders the price should be at a premium here soon.