The Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers are among the destinations for 3,300-yard receiver, Darius Slayton this regular season. Bleacher Report published an article stating that Slayton is in a similar situation to Robert Woods where he’s expendable. Slayton is stuck behind a group of young receivers and Daniel Jones is already on an unproductive start. It may be safe for New York to consider trading him if they fall out of the playoff picture which is possible with the way Jones is performing.
However, the veteran is getting a solid amount of reps this season, notching 72% of snaps. The Giants will likely ship Slayton after the season if he continues to struggle after recording only 26 yards. New York didn’t look competitive in their matchup loss against the Vikings so it’s clear that they could reach a point of playing for next year. Slayton could be an attractive trade piece if the Giants play their cards right to get a draft pick.
After drafting Malik Nabers this past draft, it may be safe to say that Slayton isn’t sticking around. Allen Robinson may carve out a role for himself which could lead Slayton to be the odd man out. It wouldn’t be long for Slayton to find a new team since plenty of rosters looking to add depth. The downside is that he has missed time which puts him in sharing snaps this season with Jalin Hyatt.
However, if he can stay healthy and consistent for the roster despite their potential losing season then he could shine elsewhere.
Panthers, Chargers Among Destinations For 3,300-Yard Receiver Darius Slayton
Potential Trade Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The chances of the Panthers trading Diontae Johnson again are high despite just one blowout. Carolina hasn’t been intrigued by his arrival as they’re not looking to give him a contract extension. Adam Thielen needs help with the slot and Slayton is probably a quick fix for Carolina if he can stay healthy. Xavier Legette isn’t carrying the passing attack for Bryce Young so he needs all the help he can get.
It has been a rollercoaster for Carolina and they’re probably in for a wild ride the way how they’re looking. Dave Canales has a lot to prove but many should expect the Panthers to snag some reinforcements for their squad. The Panthers could probably pull off a low-budget trade to help with the flow of receiver depth. Thielen can’t do it alone again and they need a consistent playmaker to make those quick catches while Young scrambles out of the pocket.
Los Angeles Chargers
The running game may be going well for the Chargers but the passing attack is looking weak as expected. Justin Herbert needs to throw the football but Jim Harbaugh probably won’t realize it until it’s too late. DJ Chark being out and Quentin Johnston underperforming, they need to find a reliable slot receiver to help rookie Ladd McConkey. Slayton isn’t drastically changing the entire passing game but it’s a temporary fix to help the Chargers to at least a wild card contention.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson was utilizing his running backs the most last game but many should expect them to do the same for the rest of the year. However, even though Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are reliable, they need a consistent receiver to make any catch in crucial situations. Slayton may not be their immediate answer but it may be better than Nelson Agholor since he’s already underperforming. Jackson wouldn’t want to rely on rookie Isaiah Likely or running back Justice Hill who is meant to catch the balls in some situations, not frequently.
Kansas City Chiefs
The depth behind Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice is concerning being that Marquise Brown will miss more time due to shoulder surgery. Incoming JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore can only outweigh the pressure as much as they can. Patrick Mahomes needs more weapons because they’re one injury away from chaos. Slayton isn’t the best trade candidate but he could stick around to share snaps with Smith-Schuster.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pivoting quarterbacks isn’t helping the team’s passing game chemistry so they may need a new pass catcher to play with. They need some capability in the passing attack for Justin Fields and Russell Wilson or whomever they decide to start. The Steelers weren’t successful in getting any type of deep threat other than a slew of receivers to accommodate George Pickens.
