The NY Giants have assembled what could be a strong wide receiver room this offseason and it looks like some more movement could be coming. Amidst the success that the Giants receivers have shown, there has been one player who has seemingly fallen into the background.
Wide receiver Darius Slayton has gone from a reliable talent during his rookie season, to now struggling to earn reps with the first-team offense. During training camp, Slayton made several big plays, often when quarterback Tyrod Taylor was the one throwing him the ball.
Slayton was drafted by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. During his rookie season, he looked like he could become a star. He finished the year with 48 receptions for 740 yards and eight touchdowns. Last season, like much of the Giants’ offense, Slayton struggled. And now with a wide receiver room that looks vastly different than it has in the past, the Giants could potentially move Slayton to add depth somewhere else.
In the Giants first preseason game, Slayton was used heavily within the offense when on the field. The team could be trying to show the league what he can still do. Here are four potential trade returns should Joe Schoen decide to move him.
4. Arizona Cardinals RB Darrell Williams
The Arizona Cardinals receiving room could be in for a rough first stretch of the season.
Star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is currently set to be out for the first six games of the season due to a PED suspension. They will have to find a way to make up for the loss of their three-time All-Pro during his absence.
Outside of Hopkins, the current receiving room is headlined by A.J. Brown, Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore. Slayton would be a solid addition to this receiving room. And it may not take much to get him.
The Cardinals signed ex-Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrell Williams during the offseason. The Giants could look to acquire him as they could need depth behind Saquon Barkley. Williams has been solid throughout his career. He has ran for 912 yards and 10 touchdowns in 51 regular season games. He has also recorded 83 receptions for 762 yards and four touchdowns.
During his time with the Chiefs, Williams was able to spend time with Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Kafka knows what Williams is capable of, and could look to add him to his newly developed offense.
3. Baltimore Ravens CB Kevon Seymour
The Giants’ secondary has quickly become a cause for concern. Cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackon and Darnay Holmes, and safeties Xavier Mckinney and Julian Love are all locked in as starters somewhere in this unit. But there is a clear lack of proven depth past these players.
Current CB2 Aaron Robinson struggled during the team’s first preseason outing. Many of the other rostered players within the secondary are young and haven’t had many reps during the regular season. Recently, the Giants claimed Buffalo Bills cornerback Olaijah Griffin off of waivers. But they could still look to address the position.
One intriguing option could be the Baltimore Ravens cornerback Kevon Seymour. Seymour will be entering his fifth NFL season. Last season with the Ravens, Seymour appeared in nine games and started two. He played well when on the field, recording 25 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass defended.
The Ravens are a team that could need wide receiver talent. Second-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman and tight end Mark Andrews are set to be the premier pass catchers within this offense. Bringing Slayton in could help this group in a big way.
2. Miami Dolphins RB Myles Gaskin
Last season, running back Myles Gaskin appeared in 17 games for the Miami Dolphins. He was also a starter for 10 of these contests.
Gaskin ran for 612 yards and three touchdowns on 173 rushes. He added another 234 yards and four touchdowns on 49 receptions. Now, Gaskin has found himself lost within the Dolphins’ depth chart. The running back room has become full, with Chase Edmonds, Sony Michel, and Raheem Mostert all joining the team. Gaskin has become the odd man out.
Gaskin’s ability to be effective in both the run game and passing game could make him a solid piece for this Giants offense. He could potentially be an improvement over current RB2 Matt Breida and he is still just 25 years old.
While the Dolphins have added wide receiver Tyreek Hill to play alongside Jaylen Waddle, the rest of the wide receiver depth is questionable. Slayton could come in and compete for a starting spot from day one.
1. Chicago Bears LB Roquan Smith
Slayton could find himself in the middle of a blockbuster trade. Last week, Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith requested a trade. Players within the Giants organization have already made their case for the team to go and try and add Smith.
Since being drafted in 2018, Smith has been a force on defense. He has racked up 524 total tackles, 43 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, 17 defended passes, and five interceptions. With a Giants linebacker room that needs an elite presence, Smith could be the perfect fit. The Chicago Bears wide receiver room is currently in desperate need of help. Darnell Mooney is set to be the team’s number one receiver. Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown could potentially be the two that start alongside Mooney.
The Bears recently traded for N’Keal Harry, but the young wide receiver is out for the foreseeable future due to recent ankle surgery. While Slayton has been inconsistent in the past, he is still a solid pass catcher. And there is an argument to be made that he is better than every other receiver on this Bears roster besides Mooney.
The Giants would need to offer the Bears a strong trade package, but it could be possible. It would take Darius Slayton as the centerpiece player, along with a high draft pick at the least. A proposed deal of Slayton and a second-round pick could potentially be enough as the linebacker could eventually opt to leave in free agency in the future instead.