5-Year Starter Contradicts General Manager In Contract Comments

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is one of many pass-catchers actively frustrated with his contract status. After leading the team in receiving yards (770) and touchdowns (four) while catching passes from the underwhelming trio of Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor, and Tomy DeVito, the wide receiver feels his salary doesn’t match his production. Now entering the final year of his deal with a base salary of just $2.5 million, the former fifth-round pick didn’t partake in offseason practices as he awaits a raise.

While Darius Slayton is not an All-Pro receiver by any stretch of the imagination, he deserves a better contract. During a recent interview, the five-year veteran gave an update on his current financial status.

“Right now, my agent and [general manager] Joe [Schoen], they’re in negotiations. They’re talking,” Slayton said, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. “Hopefully we’ll come to a resolution soon.”

Darius Slayton, Giants, In Contract Negotiations

What’s interesting about this quote is that it appears to contradict earlier comments by General Manager Joe Schoen. Before the NFL Draft, Schoen said that he had not discussed a new contract with Darius Slayton or his representatives. Perhaps the two sides started a dialogue following the three-day event, but can the two sides come to terms?

Darius Slayton isn’t going to break the bank with a new contract, but he’ll want a decent raise. Unfortunately for the wide receiver, the team selected star prospect Malik Nabers with the sixth-overall pick. While there is room for both players in the offense, Nabers will be the unquestioned top option in the passing attack. Perhaps the Giants and Slayton can come to terms on a new deal, but if they can’t, the veteran should fetch some interest on the trade market.

Possible Trade Destinations

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers signed DJ Chark to be their new complementary deep threat, but the former Panther is anything but a reliable commodity. The further we get from 2019, the more it appears Chark’s 1,000-yard season was nothing more than a fluke. Darius Slayton is a considerably better option at this point in their respective careers, and they have plenty of cap space to hand out a reasonable contract extension.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers may or may not be trying to trade for a star wide receiver. While they’re probably aiming for a guy like DK Metcalf or Courtland Sutton, they might have to settle for a good-but-not-great receiver like Darius Slayton and his more modest contract. George Pickens is more than capable of being the top option in a passing attack, and Slayton’s ability to stretch the field matches well with Russell Wilson’s strengths.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys didn’t have enough picks to cover every need in the NFL Draft. Because of this, the team prioritized and didn’t add a wide receiver until the back of the sixth round. CeeDee Lamb is great, but Dallas must find somebody else capable of threatening a defense. The Giants might not want to trade Darius Slayton to their biggest rival, but they might not have a choice if the Cowboys are willing to give up a Day 3 pick and extend the wide receiver’s contract.

Baltimore Ravens

Odell Beckham said goodbye to the Ravens, so even though the wide receiver has yet to find a new team, it’s safe to assume he won’t be back in Baltimore. Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews are reliable options, but the Ravens could use a third set of hands in this offense. Perhaps fourth-round pick DeVontez Walker can hit the ground running, but Darius Slayton would provide more security, even on an increased contract.

Carolina Panthers

Carolina added two big-name playmakers in Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette to pair with Adam Thielen. While this could be a reliable grouping if Legette starts hot, the Panthers still need a vertical threat in this offense. Bryce Young threw an above-average deep ball in college, and Carolina has the money to give Darius Slayton a slight raise or contract extension.