The New York Giants made several smart moves this offseason, but optimism about their offense remains limited. Despite a busy spring, the team is bringing back 10 starters from what was the NFC’s worst offense last year — putting pressure squarely on veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to elevate the unit. It also signals the front office’s belief in the core group already in place.
The Giants had the opportunity to revamp their receiving corps in the 2025 offseason, especially after drafting Malik Nabers. But rather than pursue a big-name addition, general manager Joe Schoen opted to re-sign veteran wideout Darius Slayton to a three-year, $36 million deal, locking him in as a starter once again.
That decision reflects the Giants’ confidence that Slayton can still elevate his game — potentially with better quarterback play. And that belief isn’t just internal. In a recent ESPN piece, Slayton was named one of the NFL’s most underrated players.
As Aaron Schatz noted, “Slayton wasn’t expected to be much as a fifth-round pick in 2019, but he delivered eight touchdowns as a rookie. His production dipped afterward, but the Giants see value in his role opposite Nabers, and his 573 receiving yards last season were enough to earn a long-term deal.”
Slayton has been quietly reliable over the years, posting between 700–800 yards in four of his first five seasons, mostly with Daniel Jones throwing him the ball. The limitations of New York’s passing attack have impacted his numbers, but Wilson’s arrival could help unlock more of his potential. Building chemistry with his new quarterback will be crucial, especially with Nabers expected to command a heavy target share. Slayton’s role is secure — for now — though lingering drop issues from 2024 remain a concern.
Still, the advanced stats back the Giants’ decision. As Schatz pointed out, Slayton has posted positive receiving DVOA for three straight years — despite working with subpar quarterbacks. With Wilson (and possibly Jameis Winston or Jaxson Dart) under center in 2025, Slayton’s role as a deep threat fits perfectly. A breakout season might not be guaranteed, but he’s well-positioned to quietly deliver another efficient, productive year.
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