Darius Slayton is staying in New York. The veteran wide receiver has agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal to remain with the Giants, his agent Trevon Smith told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
Slayton, 28, has been a steady presence in the Giants’ offense since being drafted in the fifth round in 2019. Despite some rocky stretches, he’s led the team in receiving yards in four of his six seasons and has repeatedly found ways to make an impact.
Giants’ WR Malik Nabers cheers for Jayden Daniels at Wildcard game
Last season, Slayton recorded 79 catches for 770 yards and four touchdowns, but his role became uncertain heading into 2024. With the Giants drafting Malik Nabers in the first round, Slayton’s targets dropped, and his production took a hit-just 39 catches for 573 yards and two scores. Still, he remained a key mentor to Nabers, helping him break down defensive tendencies and adjust to the NFL game.
A comeback story that keeps going
Slayton’s journey with the Giants hasn’t been straightforward. When Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen arrived in 2022, he found himself buried on the depth chart and nearly out of a job. But he clawed his way back, proving his worth as a deep threat and reliable playmaker.
His contract negotiations last offseason hinted at some frustration. He skipped much of the team’s workouts while pushing for an adjusted deal, eventually landing an additional $650,000 in incentives-though he never hit the benchmarks to cash in. But now, with this new contract, the Giants are making it clear: They still see Slayton as a critical piece of their offense.
While Nabers is expected to be the future of the receiving corps, keeping Slayton ensures quarterback stability and offensive continuity. His experience and chemistry with the team’s system make him more than just a veteran presence-he’s a reliable target when it matters.
The Giants’ decision to retain Slayton has been met with praise from analysts. SB Nation rated the move an A-, pointing out that the contract reflects the market while keeping a proven contributor in-house. With the Giants still searching for offensive consistency, having a player like Slayton on board could help stabilize things moving forward.
As the team gears up for 2025, the Giants are banking on a mix of veteran leadership and young talent to reshape their passing attack. Slayton may not be the flashiest receiver on the field, but if history is any indicator, he’ll be right where the Giants need him-ready to deliver.
