Darius Slayton, a $12 million playmaker, has not returned to training and may look to be traded this offseason. The Auburn prospect is reportedly avoiding the New York Giants in order to negotiate a contract modification. He is skipping the optional workouts since there have been no discussions about a new contract. Slayton is currently in the second year of a two-year contract, but he would want a longer commitment from New York.
Although he had the option to look for a new contract or trade, he decided to remain with the team last summer. However, Darren Waller, who may be retiring shortly, is not having a good conversation. Since his selection in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Slayton has emerged as the team’s top receiver. The Auburn product has accomplished a lot since he had to accept a salary cut to become the team’s leader in the playoffs. Slayton is no stranger to being Daniel Jones’ primary target, having accomplished the same accomplishment the previous season. During his five NFL seasons, he has led the Giants in receiving four times. His nonattendance follows Courtland Sutton’s absence.
If Slayton’s injury doesn’t get better, he’ll be with the team for one more season before becoming a free agency in the upcoming offseason. Following the losses of Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney to the Giants in 2021, the Auburn product was emerging as a key component of the offense. During his time in New York, he managed to maintain consistency, but it seems like he’s counting down the days until a trade.
Just because minicamp is next month and the NFL season is approaching doesn’t mean that trade speculations will end. The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be Slayton’s favored landing destination as of late, according a report. The Steelers are struggling to find a wide receiver to take Diontae Johnson’s place. In an effort to find out if other teams are open to a deal, the team has been actively seeking to sign them. They have been targeting receivers like D.K. Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk. Though the 49ers general manager gave Aiyuk and Samuel the chance to be traded, he is not looking to do so, and the Seahawks will never let go of Metcalf.
Slayton might, however, become available for a trade at the appropriate price, as the Steelers are still searching for their next wide receiver. Slayton may be able to obtain the contract he wants in Pittsburgh if he is not granted what he wants. Although there have been some hiccups with the Auburn product in the Big Apple, this does not imply that it will happen right now. As the best receiving option in New York, Slayton’s departure is difficult to fathom. But nothing endures forever, so here are a few possible trades that Slayton could consider.
Possible Fits for Trade
A move that might be beneficial would be for Slayton to join the New Orleans Saints. After losing Michael Thomas to free agency, they haven’t been active this offseason, but they were able to bolster their roster in this year’s draft. To support Chris Olave, a substitute with experience is necessary. With almost any receiver available, the Los Angeles Chargers require an upgrade immediately. Since the departure of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, they haven’t had a true star at the head of the wide receiving corps. Slayton, who is at least a WR2, may be Justin Herbert’s next real deep threat. But if the Ravens want to add Slayton, that would be a fair trade. This entails collaborating with Zay Flowers.