$12 million playmaker Darius Slayton continues to be absent from workouts and could seek a trade this offseason. According to a source, the Auburn product is staying away from the New York Giants as he’s looking for an adjustment to his contract. There have been no talks about a new deal which is triggering him to be a no-show for voluntary workouts. Slayton is in the second leg of his two-year contract but wants New York to commit to him longer.
He chose to stay with the team last summer but he had the opportunity to seek a new deal or trade. However, talks aren’t going anywhere as well for Darren Waller who may be retiring soon. Slayton has been the leading receiver for the team since he was selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. It’s been quite the accomplishment for the Auburn product since he went from needing to take a pay cut to leading the playoff team.
Slayton has been repeating the same feat last season as he’s no stranger to being Daniel Jones’ top target. He’s been leading the Giants in receiving in four of his five NFL seasons. His absence comes after Courtland Sutton is also staying away from the Broncos voluntary camp. The league can’t fine the receivers until the minicamp begins next month, which could spiral rumors.
Barring the continuing absence, Slayton is staying with the team for one more year until next offseason where he’s due as a free agent. The Auburn product was becoming a vital piece to the Giants’ offense after losing Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney in 2021. He was able to remain consistent in his tenure with New York but he may be counting the days until a trade.
$12 Million Playmaker Darius Slayton Absent From Workouts, Could Seek Trade
Rumors Are Heating Up
Trade rumors aren’t going to stop just because minicamp is next month and the NFL season is on the way. According to a report, the Pittsburgh Steelers now seem to be the top landing destination for Slayton. The Steelers haven’t had any luck finding their next wideout to replace Diontae Johnson. The team has been active trying to contract other teams to see if they’re available for a trade.
Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and D.K. Metcalf were among the receivers they have been trying to acquire. However, 49ers General Manager isn’t looking to trade Samuel or Aiyuk after giving them the opportunity and there’s no way the Seahawks are moving on from Metcalf. However, the Steelers are still looking for their next WR1 and Slayton could become available for a trade at the right price. If Slayton doesn’t get the contract he desires then he could get it in Pittsburgh.
It doesn’t mean it will happen immediately but there have been some hiccups in the Big Apple for the Auburn product. Slayton is New York’s top receiving option so it’s hard to imagine him leaving. However, nothing lasts forever, here are some potential trade fits for Slayton.
Potential Trade Fits
One trade that would make is Slayton landing with the New Orleans Saints. They haven’t been active this offseason after losing Michael Thomas in free agency but they were able to stock up in this year’s draft. However, a proven talent needs to be a replacement to help alongside Chris Olave. The Los Angeles Chargers need an immediate upgrade after getting about just any receiver available.
They don’t have an actual star leading the wide receiving corps since the losses of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. Slayton could be the next true deep threat as at least a WR2 for Justin Herbert. However, a reasonable trade for the Ravens if they want is adding Slayton. This means teaming up with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman gives Lamar Jackson a bonafide offense in his quest for a Super Bowl.
