After declining a contract offer and confirming their leave, Beat Reporter recently announced the departure of another highly experienced star.
With the exception of former first-round offensive lineman Evan Neal, who doesn’t seem to be available, the New York Giants have at least two viable trade prospects before the deadline of November 5. They are Darius Slayton, a wide receiver, and Azeez Ojulari, an edge rusher.
“Unless the Giants are planning to re-sign Slayton in the offseason, they should look to get something for him ahead of the trade deadline,” Matt Holder of Bleacher Report reiterated on November 4th, urging Big Blue to move the latter.
Holder said, “The 27-year-old, who turns 28 in January, has been productive enough throughout his career to attract the attention of another team and possibly help the G-Men add draft capital for the future.”
However, Dan Duggan, the NYG beat writer for The Athletic, is less certain that Joe Schoen, the general manager of the Big Blue, will sell Slayton before November 5.
On November 4, he stated, “Darius Slayton left [Week 9] late with a concussion.” That may make any trade talks more difficult. However, it seems unlikely to me that the Giants would trade their most dependable player from an offense that hardly functions with him.
For the 2024 season, Slayton is ranked second in receiving yardage and third in targets, after slot specialist Wan’Dale Robinson (in targets) and newcomer Malik Nabers (in both). 32 out of 50 targets have been caught by the seasoned veteran for 469 yards and a score.
On offense, the Giants are still ignoring 2023 third-round pick Jalin Hyatt.
Holder did not address the second reason why this trade makes sense, but he did mention dealing Slayton before he enters free agency, which is a legitimate reason to get rid of him this week.
On November 4, Duggan wrote, “Jalin Hyatt played four snaps when Slayton was out [of the game against the Washington Commanders].” For the third time this season, there are no targets. Throughout the season, he just had one grab for six yards.
“The Giants traded a fourth-round pick to move up in the third round for [Hyatt] last year,” the NYG beat writer said.
Like Neal, Hyatt’s 2023 draft selection has been an afterthought in what was first predicted to be a breakout season. And under head coach Brian Daboll, this theme is becoming all too prevalent.
Hyatt has only grabbed one reception off of eight targets this season, as Duggan noted. After 23 catches for 373 yards as a rookie, his output and usage have obviously declined.
