Darius Slayton Reportedly Seeks Contract Extension

Slayton has reportedly skipped the start of the team's voluntary off-season program.

New York Giants receiver Darius Slayton, the team leader in receiving yards in four out of the last five seasons, is reportedly skipping the voluntary off-season conditioning program that began Monday because he is seeking a contract extension.

Slayton, a fifth-round draft pick in 2019, has appeared in 76 games with 53 starts and has 220 career receptions for 3,324 yards and 19 touchdowns. He has never recorded a 1,000-yard season; his best campaign came last year in which he lost 770 receiving yards on 50 receptions, the reception total tying a career-high.

Slayton, who is in the final year of the two-year contract signed last off-season, has an $8.15 million cap hit this year, including a $2.5 million base salary and a $2.6 million roster bonus he's already collected.  He took a pay cut two years ago to remain with the Giants and was rewarded with a new two-year contract from the Giants, which he took over an offer from the Atlanta Falcons.

Whether the 6-1, 198-pound Slayton has any leverage in such a quest is debatable. The Giants are widely believed to be looking at adding a WR1 in next week's draft, with such a player likely to draw the lion's share of the passing targets if it comes to fruition. 

That could then mean a reduction in Slayton's targets, especially with second-year man Jalin Hyatt expected to have a bigger role on offense this year and Wan'Dale Robinson also expected to play a larger role.

Some have wondered whether Slayton's roster spot could be in jeopardy if the Giants were to draft a WR1 in this year's draft. If they were to cut him, they'd save $3.8 million, again a reduction because of the roster bonus having been paid out, and would have a $4.35 million dead money hit.

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