Darius Slayton “Hopeful” For Giants Extension Amidst Early Holdout

Despite an early holdout, it sounds like Slay wants to stay with the New York Giants.

Homegrown receiver Darius Slayton offered optimism about his metropolitan future in a report from Jordan Raanan of ESPN despite an early holdout that’s seeing him sit out of the Giants’ voluntary offseason workouts. Slayton, 27, is seeking an extension as he prepares to embark upon the latter season of a two-year deal bestowed after his rookie contract expired.

“Right now, my agent (Michael Perrett) and (Giants general manager) Joe (Schoen), they’re in negotiations. They’re talking,” Slayton said at the annual Gridiron Gala in Manhattan. “Hopefully we’ll come to a resolution here soon.”

“I’d like to be here, of course,” Slayton continued. “I’ve enjoyed my time as a Giant and I’d like to remain a Giant. Hopefully, that will be the result of this.”

Slayton has been one of the more consistent offensive threats in New York since his arrival in 2019, amassing 220 receptions, 3,324 yards (including a career-best 770 last season), and 19 touchdowns since the Giants made him a fifth-round pick out of Auburn. Those numbers all lead the Giants over the past five years by a wide margin.

Despite his de facto holdout, Slayton credited the Giants for keeping “constant contact” and it sounds like he doesn’t believe that the stalemate will extend to the summer.

“I don’t think it will get to that point,” Slayton said in Raanan’s report when asked about a potential training camp absence. “Like I said, it’s been good, constant communication throughout the whole process. It’ll be resolved soon.”

Wednesday saw Slayton honored for his community efforts in the metropolitan area, with the area commemorating the Giants and New York Jets’ joint work with the United Way of New York City. Slayton was labeled a “Hometown Hero” alongside Jets linebacker Quincy Williams.

“I think (being honored is) the biggest (validation),” he said. “What could be bigger than trying to help somebody out in the community that you’re a part of that has embraced me? (It’s) just an opportunity to give back. I try to help out wherever I can.”