The future of New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is very much up in the air ahead of the last round of preseason roster cuts that must be made by Tuesday afternoon.
Slayton is in the final year of his rookie contract and is playing for an organization under new management with Joe Schoen serving as general manager and Brian Daboll as head coach. The 25-year-old is coming off a season that he ended with just 26 catches for 339 yards and two touchdowns.
It's believed 2021 first-round draft pick Kadarius Toney and 2022 second-round selection Wan'Dale Robinson are among those who are above Slayton on the depth chart, and Slayton was recently named as a "potential surprise trade and cut candidate."
On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Giants "have gotten trade inquiries" regarding Slayton's services:
Giants have gotten trade inquiries on WR Darius Slayton, per source. One more name to watch in a busy week of moves.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2022
"I don't know," Slayton responded when asked about his playing future after Sunday's preseason finale against the New York Jets, per Garrett Stepien of SNY. "Every year -- it's kind of like my fourth time doing this. I don't know. I don't really stress about it too much. At the end of the day, if it's meant for me to be here, I'll be here. If it's not, I won't."
According to SNY's Robert Sanchez, Daboll addressed the receiver position while speaking with reporters on Monday.
"I think it’s a competitive spot," Daboll said. "I think those guys have picked up our system well, I think there’s different skill sets in that unit. I think they’re smart and I’m excited to work with them."
Daboll added he considers the Giants "open for business" as it pertains to transactions such as trades.
Across 43 regular-season games, Slayton accumulated 124 receptions on 238 targets for 1,830 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, only five of those scores came over the past two campaigns.
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