Drop in Darius Slayton’s production might actually be good for Giants

Darius Slayton has been the New York Giants’ leading receiver in four of his five NFL seasons. He probably won’t be in 2024. He shouldn’t be. That would be a good thing for the Giants.

Let’s discuss Slayton as we continue player-by-player profiles of the Giants’ 90-man roster.

The skinny

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 198
Opening day age: 27
Position: Wide receiver
Experience: 5
Contract: Final year of two-year, $6.2 million deal | 2024 cap hit: $7.95 million | Guaranteed in 2024: $2.6 million | Guaranteed at signing: $4.9 million

Career to date

Slayton long ago outplayed his status as a fifth-round pick (No. 171 overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft.

The speedy Slayton has been remarkably consistent. He had been between 46 and 50 receptions every season except in 2021. He has averaged 15.0 and 15.7 yards per catch each season except 2021. He has had between 724 and 770 receiving yards in four of his five seasons, again with 2021 being the outlier.

There is a rapport between Slayton and starting quarterback Daniel Jones. Slayton has generally seemed like the best wide receiver on a team that has not had a real No. 1 wide receiver.

2024 outlook

Slayton’s numbers should decline. That doesn’t mean his play or ability will decline — he is entering his age 27 season, and that should not be the case.

His opportunities, though, are almost certain to decline.

That is what happens when a team drafts a wide receiver No. 6 overall to be their No. 1 guy. Especially when that player is an alpha like Malik Nabers who is already clear that he expects the ball and won’t always be quiet if he doesn’t get it when he thinks he should.

Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, entering his third season, appears primed for a big year that could cut into Slayton’s targets. Development from second-year speedster Jalin Hyatt could further compromise Slayton’s targets and playing time.

None of that is a bad thing or an indictment of Slayton. It just means he might finally have some reliable help.

Could the Giants trade Slayton, perhaps at the NFL trade deadline, should they not be in contention for a playoff berth? The Giants could save $6.2 million against the cap by doing so, and would add a draft pick. So, it is a possibility worth monitoring.

In the meantime, expect Slayton to continue to make plays — when he gets the opportunitxy to do so.