New York Giants' Darius Slayton skipping OTAs amid contract dispute
New York Giants' Darius Slayton skipping OTAs amid contract dispute
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton continues to hold out in hopes of a new contract as the team began voluntary organized team activities (OTA) this week.
Head coach Brian Daboll told reporters that neither Slayton nor tight end Darren Waller are present for OTAs. Waller continues to ponder a potential retirement decision.
Slayton has been holding out from voluntary workouts for the entire offseason since Phase 1 began in the middle of April. He has been the leading receiver on the Giants in four of the last five seasons, including the 2023 campaign.
Slayton is entering the final year of his current contract after he signed a two-year deal worth $12.2 million during the 2023 offseason. He’s due to make $6.2 million and has a salary-cap hit of $8.15 million in 2024, per Over The Cap.
The 27-year-old has mostly been reliable as a deep threat for the Giants throughout his tenure, and he has proven to have a connection with quarterback Daniel Jones.
However, the Giants used the No. 6 overall pick on LSU’s Malik Nabers and while they will be used differently, Slayton is no longer the top dog in the wide receiver room.
In 2023, Slayton recorded 50 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 15.4 yards per reception. According to ESPN Stats & Info, his 15.1 yards per reception are fourth most among the 79 pass-catchers with 200-plus receptions over the past five seasons.
The Giants have a young wide receiver room with Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt leading the way.
Slayton would be a strong asset to have in the room as a true deep threat, but it’s unclear if the Giants will cave to his demands.