Training camp hasn’t even been going for a full week, and Darius Slayton already logged a strong nominee for catch of the summer. Russell Wilson dropped a dime up the sideline during 11-on-11s, and Slayton reached out for the one-handed snag like he was Odell Beckham Jr.
The placement was perfect, the crowd went nuts, and everything about it felt like something this offense hasn’t seen in a long, long time:
Darius Slayton is a criminally underrated player.
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) July 27, 2025
Now that he has a quarterback willing to throw the back downfield, he could finally break through.pic.twitter.com/MeWB5DYHRu
But that’s not even the most important part. That’s not really the story.
The real story is what it means. Slayton showed up to camp looking like he just re-signed for $36 million, but more importantly, like the guy a lot of Giants fans always hoped he could eventually become. And the difference this time around isn’t some vague camp narrative about motivation or confidence. It’s that he finally has a quarterback who can get him the ball.
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For years, Slayton has been typecast as a fringe contributor in a broken offense. He could stretch the field, but he didn’t get the targets. That’s not his reality anymore.
Darius Slayton’s one-handed catch is only part of the bigger picture
This has been building for a minute. Slayton’s chemistry with Wilson started once Russ put pen to paper, and it continued into OTAs and only picked up steam as the summer progressed.
Reports from practice have consistently pointed to him being one of the most impressive players on the field. And now we finally have the proof — one of the best catches of training camp... coming off a relatively simple streak down the sideline that ultimately split the corner and safety for an unreal highlight-worthy play.
The timing couldn’t be better, either. Bryce Ford-Wheaton suffered a brutal, season-ending injury, tearing his Achilles, and Wan’Dale Robinson has had back-to-back days with “uh-oh, is he hurt” moments.
Slayton already figured to be the No. 2 behind Malik Nabers, but if he keeps putting together practices like this, the G-Men may be looking at a clear top duo instead of a committee.
Let’s be clear: Slayton has always had the tools. Since entering the league, he’s one of just four receivers with at least 200 catches and a 15-yard average per reception — the other three being Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, and Mike Williams. That’s so much more than just impressive company. That’s a story that tells you he’s been capable of so much more than he’s ever been given.
Now, for the first time in a long time, the system might finally be in his corner. Slayton has a quarterback who can actually throw the deep ball and an offense that needs someone not named Nabers to step up. If Sunday was any indication, he’s already well on his way... finally.