The New York Giants may sit 6–1 on the season, but it is yet to be determined if they will be sellers or buyers at the 2022 trade deadline.
The expectation was that they will be sellers, looking to recoup draft capital from some of their more talented players. However, the team has exceeded all expectations under the leadership of Brian Daboll, which has changed the narrative on their playoff hopes and whether they should begin bolstering the roster currently or wait until next off-season.
Given the Giants have little to no money available, sitting with just $2.47 million in salary space, acquiring a big-name talent is unlikely. They would have to get rid of several high-priced players, which is borderline impossible given the salaries Dave Gettleman left behind.
- Mel Kiper’s final 2024 NFL Draft board sees elite QB fall to Giants’ first-round slot
- Giants reportedly negotiating with Patriots for No. 3 pick in the draft
- Giants are ‘the team to watch’ regarding trade up to 3rd overall
Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports believes that the Giants will receive calls on receiver Darius Slayton, who has made an impact over the past few weeks after starting his season in the doghouse.
They can expect calls on WR Darius Slayton, according to league sources, but he’s their best receiver right now.
The New York Giants are getting solid value out of Darius Slayton right now:
Slayton didn’t make an appearance until Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, hauling in two targets for 11 yards. However, his offensive snap count has hovered around 50–70% over the past few weeks, recording 166 yards and a touchdown. He had one of his better games against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7, hauling in three catches on six targets for a touchdown. The primary issue with Darius is he tends to drop the football often, already tallying two this season.
Despite that liability, Slayton offers the Giants a tremendous downfield threat and can stretch defenses out. The question is, is it worthwhile for the Giants to get rid of one of their only productive receivers when they desperately need talent as a position?
GM Joe Schoen may only be able to get back a late-round selection for Slayton, and given the team has set its sights on a potential playoff push, they may want to keep him around and continue building a winning culture rather than laying down their sword and looking to the future.