Three years ago, Darius Slayton was the New York Giants' leading receiver. Now, he's at risk of being a healthy scratch when Big Blue takes on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Slayton was even rumored to be a trade candidate before roster cuts, but no deal was made.
When asked what it has been like to see his name come up as a potential trade candidate, Slayton said, "Nothing really. It's not the first time, probably won't be the last time. But I really don't pay it too much of mind, honestly. I just take it day by day."
As much as the "cool, calm, and collected" approach can be, you'd hope to see the veteran receiver's plummet down the depth chart light a fire under him.
Giants WR Darius Slayton already sounds checked out amidst trade rumors
Slayton's fall from grace has been difficult to watch. Even with Malik Nabers sidelined for the majority of the 2025 season, the veteran only managed 37 catches for 538 yards and one touchdown. He became Jaxson Dart's third target, behind Wan'Dale Robinson and Theo Johnson.
Still, he had a chance to regain his spot as the team's WR2 this offseason. Instead, he has fallen to the bottom of the depth chart. Slayton was still on the field deep into the second quarter of the Giants' preseason finale against the New York Jets, while rookie Malachi Fields sat out with the starters.
At this point, Slayton's $36 million contract may be the only thing keeping him on the roster.
Dan Duggan of The Athletic recently said, "I think he's trending toward being a healthy scratch for the opener."
The veteran wideout has reached a new low in his Giants career, and he doesn't seem to be too bothered by it. Nobody's asking him to panic, but it would be nice to see a bit of motivation from Slayton, given how far he has fallen down the pecking order.
There's still an opportunity for the receiver to turn things around. While he may have fallen out of favor, the Giants' receiver room is still relatively open behind Nabers. Fields will see plenty of action, but the rest of the room shouldn't stand in Slayton's way.
He should be able to carve out a role when his competition for snaps is Darnell Mooney and 33-year-old Odell Beckham Jr.
If he doesn't turn things around quickly, we may not see much of Slayton this season.
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