Perhaps the second biggest debate among the New York Giants external circle outside of the quarterback debate has been calls for the team to trade receiver Darius Slayton, who has been their receiving yardage leader in four of the last five seasons., the team’s fifth-round draft pick in 2019 and one of the longest-tenured members of the team.
Nabers’s presence, Benjamin argues, would “save the Giants anywhere from $3.8 million to $6.4 million.”But let’s pump the brakes here about moving on from Slayton. To suggest that the Giants’ receivers room isn’t big enough for both Nabers and Slayton is ludicrous. Slayton, who has been a model teammate and locker-room presence, might not be a classic No. 1 receiver, but he’s been consistent and reliable in keeping the group afloat since being drafted.
Slayton’s deep speed is his calling card, and he’s used that threat to work the comebacks and the middle of the field to get open. While the contested catch isn’t a part of his game, he’s a complementary piece who, in that secondary role, has always been a solid fit and who, as of right now at least, is more proven than second-year man Jalin Hyatt.
This isn’t to say that Slayton is a lock to remain on the roster–if the Giants get off to a slow start and another team makes them an offer for Slayton before the trade deadline, the Giants can move on from him. As for right now, something tells us the Giants would rather have the $12+ million cap savings if tight end Darren Waller retires, as is expected than lose one of their most consistent and reliable receivers.