The Giants have a few new members of their pass-catching corps, but a familiar face will remain as well moving forward. New York has agreed to terms on a new deal with wideout Darius Slayton, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network (Twitter link). ESPN’s Jordan Raanan tweets that it is a two-year contract. In an update, Garafolo notes that the base value of the pact is $12MM, while incentives could push it to $16.5MM (Twitter link).
The 26-year-old’s preference was to remain in the Big Apple, and now he will be able to do so. A fifth-rounder in 2019, Slayton had a consistent start to his career with yardage totals of 740 and 751. His eight touchdowns scored as a rookie has been a mark he has been unable to match since, however, and the 2021 season left his future in a very different place than many may have expected.
Slayton put up only 339 yards in 15 games that year, and he was required to take a considerable pay cut this past offseason to ensure his spot on the Giants’ roster. With only one year remaining on his rookie contract, his production in 2022 was thus critically important for both team and player in this situation. He responded with a bounce-back season which made him eligible for a noteworthy new deal with the Giants or another team.
The Auburn product posted a 46-724-2 statline this past season, giving him reception and yardage totals almost identical to his first two campaigns. His 15.7 yards per catch average was a new career-high, though, and confirmed his status as one of the top deep threats in this year’s free agent WR class.
The Giants have traded for tight end Darren Waller and agreed to terms on a deal with free agent wideout Parris Campbell. Those additions figure to give the team’s passing offense more upside for 2023, a year in which all eyes will be on the recently extended Daniel Jones and his ability to produce with an upgraded supporting cast around him. Slayton will remain a member of that group, having secured the opportunity to extend his stay in New York.
He was probably cheap enough
Well that sucks. I was hoping he would replace JuJu on the Chiefs.
crazy I don’t even remember him having that production, then again it was due to a high ypc. his route running has improved. really wish we could find an Armani Toomer (top 5 fav Giant) or Steven Smith type, who were top notch route runners.
Confusing. Didn’t the giants complain and complain their WRs weren’t good enough. So you resign two of them and only add Campbell?
I’m not necessarily down in Shepard and slayton, I just don’t get what their doing here.
I was thinking the same thing. Basically running back what was comfortable. Unless they feel Shepard never really got to partake in the new offense and they feel he can help, and in turn Slayton also improves. But you’re right only adding Campbell is underwhelming. But I think Waller will be a big target for them, and I’m sure another receiver will be drafted. With all their resigning of players this week I do wish Julian Love was a part of that group.