Big Blue View
The mail’s here!
David Silver asks: We understand Darius Slayton wants his contract extended, and is staying away from OTAs. You had a piece comparing him to other WRs, and he really does seem to outperform his salary year after year. He’s intelligent, reliable, drops the ball less, and he just finds a way. Regardless of whether they choose a WR, isn’t; he a great person for the receivers’ room who comes at a reasonable price? It’s not like a rookie and Jalin Hyatt are a lock to make Daniel Jones better. Why do you think Joe Schoen is not even trying to deal with him? Is he trade bait? Are they waiting for something to happen first?
Ed says: David, I think you were on the right track with the last part of your question.
The reality is that the drafting of Malik Nabers seriously decreased whatever financial leverage Slayton had, or thought he had. Slayton has been a good, but not great, player for the Giants. He probably is underpaid. He is a good teammate and great resource for media in the locker room.
Here is another reality, though. If Nabers is what the Giants think he is, and Jalin Hyatt develops into the kind of player the Giants think he can be, there is a possibility Slayton is WR4 on the depth chart behind Nabers, Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson by the end of the 2024 season.
Slayton’s protest in not showing up for voluntary workouts is noteworthy, but in the eyes of GM Joe Schoen probably not much to worry about. The Giants have Slayton under contract for 2024. He signed the deal. The Giants don’t have to do a thing. I’ll be shocked if Slayton doesn’t show up when things become mandatory — I’m not sure there is any point in him doing that.
I will also be surprised if the Giants give Slayton any type of contract extension now. See how the year unfolds. Then, either pay him or don’t pay him and let him become a free agent.
Dave Hollister asks: Hi Ed, I know everyone is very concerned about Evan Neal. I know he was approached about moving to guard, and there seems to be some confusion about his response. My question is what do you see as his ceiling there? Do you think he can perform at a Tyler Smith level? I feel like they are similar in size and with proper coaching Neal could be a beast at guard. What are your thoughts?
Ed says: Dave, there is no way to know what his ceiling would be there. He did it well for one year at Alabama. That means it isn’t completely foreign, but how he would do in that position is an unknown. It might eliminate some of his issues with footwork, and theoretically his bulk and strength would work well at guard. He is, though, 6-foot-7 and there are questions about his ability to play inside with leverage,...
