NY Giants WR Darius Slayton reminded everyone of his value vs. Texans

After a disappointing preseason Week 2 game from Daniel Jones and the NY Giants, Big Blue fans must look at the positives with the NFL season around the corner. Let's not hit the panic button just yet. Yes, the offense looked miserable, and Jones was struggling tremendously, but when the Giants needed someone to step up, veteran wideout Darius Slayton was there to answer the call.

While the Giants' offensive line was extremely impressive compared to last season, and No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers made some head-turning catches, Big Blue's offense was poor against a talented Texans defense. It started with Jones, who threw two interceptions, including a pick-six to start the game. However, DJ began to figure it out in the second quarter and found a reliable receiver in Slayton deep to help the G-Men drive down the field and eventually score on that drive.

While Slayton didn't score in this game, he came close, as Jones hit No. 86 for 44 yards to set up a Devin Singletary rushing touchdown from the one-yard line, which knotted the game at seven a piece. He finished the day with three receptions for 59 yards. This is not unusual for Slayton, as he has been the Giants' best receiver since 2019.

What will Darius Slayton's role be with the Giants in 2024?

Slayton started this offseason by holding out of all team practices and activities until the team adjusted his contract. Still, he returned during OTAs and was satisfied with his new contract's added incentives and outcome. While Slayton remains a New York Giant, his name is still being thrown around trade rumors, and he is still not getting the respect he deserves.

With a crowded WRs room with young, promising talent that excites Giants fans, many believe Slayton is the odd man out and could be on the move. The Giants receivers room is highlighted by Slayton, Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Allen Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, and Isaiah McKenzie. While there will be a lot of competition for targets this season, and Nabers is the true WR1 this year, Slayton is still a reliable option and continues to shine when it matters most. Slayton and Hyatt are in a battle for the WR2 job and it's going to be a tight race until Week 1 arrives.

After the game, Slayton even took the time to address Giants fans, posting on X that people should not sleep on undrafted free-agent defensive tackle Elijah Chatman. Chatman has been trending upward this summer and made the play of the day, chasing down the left sideline to tackle Texans running back J.J. Taylor, who had open grass ahead of him.

It's a safe assumption that Nabers and Robinson will be starters in Week 1 against the Vikings. Still, you never know who else could get the opportunities from head coach Brian Daboll, or who Jones could favor. Many believe Hyatt will have a breakout campaign this year, and some still believe in Hodgins, who was impressive two seasons ago. However, Slayton isn't a player who can be forgotten, especially after what we saw out of him against Houston.