Giants Opt to Extend WR Darius Slayton

The New York Giants are poised to kick off this offseason on a much stronger note than they did last year, which was marred by the departures of key players Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney. This time around, the Giants have made a pivotal decision to retain one of their most promising homegrown talents, wide receiver Darius Slayton. Slayton recently agreed to a three-year extension worth $36 million, a move that underscores the Giants' renewed commitment to building from within.

In the 2023 season, Slayton averaged 14.7 yards per reception. However, he finished the year with 39 catches for 573 yards and only two touchdowns, marking what was statistically the second-least productive season of his career. Despite the dip in numbers, it is crucial to recognize Slayton’s ongoing importance within the Giants' offense.

A fifth-round pick in 2019 out of Auburn, Slayton has been a standout player for the Giants, leading the team in receiving yards in four of the last five seasons. This consistency is no small feat, as he has surpassed 720 receiving yards in four separate seasons from 2019 to 2023. His ability to make plays and stretch the field has been a vital component of the Giants' passing game.

However, Slayton's journey has not been without challenges. When head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen took the helm in 2022, he found himself buried on the depth chart, struggling for playing time. Nevertheless, Slayton showed resilience, eventually regaining his starting role and securing a two-year, $12 million contract in 2023. His situation became even more complex in 2024 with the drafting of first-round pick Malik Nabers, which led to a reduction in Slayton’s targets. Nevertheless, Nabers has openly acknowledged the invaluable mentorship provided by the veteran Slayton, who frequently studies game film to help his younger counterpart analyze defensive backs and their tendencies.

Through his first six seasons with the Giants, Slayton has accumulated 259 receptions for 3,897 yards and 21 touchdowns. His blend of talent, experience, and leadership positions him as a cornerstone of the Giants' offense as they look to make significant strides in the upcoming season. With Slayton in the fold, the Giants are hopeful they can build a more cohesive and effective passing attack with what will certainly be a new quarterback come Week 1 of the 2025 season.