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.