Giants Rumors: Darius Slayton Skips Voluntary Workouts amid Desire for New Contract
Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRT
Featured Columnist IVApril 17, 2024
New York Giants veteran wideout Darius Slayton reportedly hasn't attended the team's voluntary workouts this week, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, seeking an extension this offseason.
He's set to make $6.2 million in the final year of his contract in the 2024 season.
The 27-year-old Slayton led the Giants in receiving yards (770), tied for first with former running back Saquon Barkley in receiving touchdowns (four) and third in catches (50).
Per that report, "Slayton has been a regular attendee of the Giants' voluntary offseason program in the past. He has a $350,000 workout bonus available based on his attendance this year, but still seems likely to skip the spring in search of a new contract."
Art Stapleton @art_stapletonAppreciate Slayton trying to turn perceived leverage into a new deal, but given the circumstances, this may quickly serve as a trade request in the eyes of team brass.<br>Might end up being best for both sides if NYG drafts a WR on first two days, perhaps as high as 6. <a href="https://t.co/Vc5RsigAc4">https://t.co/Vc5RsigAc4</a>
Dan Duggan @DDuggan21This is an interesting move by Slayton. He was forced to take a pay cut when he had no leverage two years ago, so now the tables have turned. <br><br>Slayton loses a lot of leverage if the Giants take a WR at No. 6. Conversely, he gains even more leverage if they draft a QB in the… <a href="https://t.co/b732n5yDI9">https://t.co/b732n5yDI9</a>
Alex Wilson @AlexWilsonESMOh god... Slayton is good, but there is not shot I'm extending him or even thinking about it until after the draft.<br><br>If NYG draft a receiver, they can afford to let Slayton walk and keep costs down long-term. <a href="https://t.co/7QrYDGuU65">https://t.co/7QrYDGuU65</a>
Darren Waller has also skipped voluntary workouts as he contemplates retirement, Raanan reported.
The Giants feel like a likely suitor for wideouts at this year's draft, given a mediocre receiving room that includes Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, Wan'Dale Robinson and Isaiah Hodgins.
The Giants have a dearth of weapons on offense in general, with Barkley off to Philadelphia, and major questions at quarterback given the mostly mediocre play of Daniel Jones to this point in his career.
This is an offense in dire need of playmakers, and probably in need of another rebuild in general. It's hard to imagine Slayton getting an extension before the season unless it's on a very team-friendly deal, especially if the Giants focus on upgrading at receiver in the draft.
Slayton has regularly been a solid if unspectacular option for the Giants. But it's hard to imagine the team breaking the bank for a player who has never reached 800 receiving yards in his career.