New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is skipping voluntary workouts. Slayton is seeking a contract extension from the team, according to reports. He is currently scheduled to enter the final year of his contract.
Slayton is slated to earn a base salary of $2.5 million with signing and roster bonuses of $1.75 and $2.6 million, per Spotrac. Slayton understandably feels he's underpaid after leading the Giants offense in receiving yards with 770 throughout 2023. He's well-positioned to demand a pay raise.
The Giants are expected to draft a wide receiver with the No. 6 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, and Marvin Harrison Jr. are among the options. If the Giants don't see a need to redo Slayton's contract, his displeasure could eventually lead to a trade request. We've identified three teams that should consider trading for Slayton.
BUFFALO BILLS
The Bills have a young core of pass-catchers featuring Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir after parting ways with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason. Buffalo is expected to draft a wide receiver with the 28th overall selection after trading Diggs to the Houston Texans. The Bills should be careful to avoid putting too much on a rookie's plate, however.
Assuming that a first-year receiver is going to fill Diggs' shoes is a dangerous, risky proposition for an annual Super Bowl contender. Acquiring a proven veteran like Slayton would ease Buffalo's transition away from Diggs and Davis. Slayton is a better player than Curtis Samuel, who was signed in free agency. The Bills wouldn't have to part with much money or capital to lure Slayton.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons are all-in on competing for a Super Bowl after signing 35-year-old quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. I consider the Falcons favorites to win the NFC South in 2024. New head coach Raheem Morris has immediately been granted a window to compete for championships. General manager Terry Fontenot should now continue surrounding Cousins with passing-game weapons.
Drake London is a bonafide No. 1 receiver. Fontenot signed Darnell Mooney to play opposite London, but Mooney is coming off a career-worst year in Chicago. He’s a reclamation project and role-specific player at best. I'd like to see another veteran option in Atlanta help round out three-receiver sets.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Saints' depth chart at receiver behind Chris Olave is paper thin. Michael Thomas is available in free agency and won't be back in New Orleans. A.T. Perry, Rashid Shaheed, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. are currently the supporting receivers opposite Olave. Not great.
New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was the passing game coordinator in San Francisco last season. Kubiak runs an explosive and creative offense that wants to manufacture big plays through the air. This Saints regime, particularly head coach Dennis Allen, is entering a make-or-break campaign. It's going to take more to capture the success necessary to extend their run in charge. They're invested in Derek Carr at quarterback. Trading for Slayton to pair with Olave would improve the offense.
