Giants' Darius Slayton: New contract, new number, same positive attitude
It was just over a year ago that Darius Slayton’s appearance at the Giants’ organized team activities felt like relief. Slayton skipped offseason voluntary workouts before getting his contract adjusted.
This year, Slayton was even happier than usual and not just because of his new three-year contract worth $36 million, including $22 million guaranteed. The joy also comes from being around his new teammates, especially quarterback Russell Wilson.
“I definitely think that we have a lot of new energy, period. Just in the quarterback room, in the receiver room,” Slayton said Thursday. “We've had some of our young guys, [undrafted free agent] guys who came in and played really good ball. So, I think that's probably part of it. Now I'm older so just feeling the life of youth around me.”
Slayton re-signed with the Giants before knowing who the next quarterback would be. It was blind faith but it was rewarded with both Wilson and Jameis Winston signed to strengthen a quarterback room.
With those upgrades and a new deal, Slayton also made another change. He switched his jersey number to 18 after wearing 86 his first six seasons. There was no reason or attachment to it but he just wanted to be under 20.
“Eighteen was the last, it was like 18, 19 and 2, I think,” Slayton said. “But then we signed Russ so he went to 3. That moved [cornerback Deonte] Banks to 2. So, then I was just like put me in 18.”
It’s a change for what hopes to be a better chapter in his career. Slayton’s been a part of just one winning season and he’s been inspired by what he’s seen with Wilson so far.
They’ve connected often on deep passes and Slayton’s not only marveled at Wilson’s touch and accuracy but how the offense can expand as a result.
“That’s kind of how I made my name so to speak in the league. Making plays down the field,” he said “But it’s not just myself. All of us can run . . . I think everybody’s probably touched the ball down the field from Russ at some point. So I think it’ll help everybody be able to stretch the field and add more yards per catch.”
It’s a factor in why the Giants wanted to bring him back. Coach Brian Daboll said he appreciated Slayton being a pro and always finding ways to improve and make plays. He’s also a valued mentor in a young receiving room
“I just appreciate his discipline and how he goes about his job, his attitude, whether things were good, whether things were bad,” Daboll said. “His work ethic, that's why we brought him back.”
Much can change in a year and Slayton hopes it can carry over into training camp and the season. For now, he’s glad things seem and feel better both for himself and his team.
“Once we acquired the guys that we have now, that obviously raised the confidence level,” Slayton said. “We have a chance to be a really, really good offense.”
Lucky 7s
One notable difference between this year’s OTAs and previous years under Daboll? More 7-on-7 drills.
Daboll said it was a suggestion from Wilson to not just help the offense build chemistry but also the defense to match routes and make adjustments in zone coverage. It’s worked well with giving Wilson and the skill position players additional reps.
“We’ve added some competitive periods where they have to play the situations out.” Daboll said. “Not that we didn’t do that, but we’ve placed a little bit more emphasis on it.
“I think it’s important to listen to the quarterbacks. They’re the one touching the ball on every play. Certainly [Russ] has a lot of accolades behind his playing career and experience. It’s been good.”
Extra points
Safeties Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin didn’t participate in team drills for undisclosed reasons. Holland watched most of practice from the sidelines. Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and running back Cam Skattebo were also not seen on the field . . . Malik Nabers (toe) participated in walk-throughs but was still not doing full-speed individual or team drills . . .With OTAs wrapping up Friday, the Giants will hold their two-day mandatory minicamp next week on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
