New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has skipped the start of volunteer workouts this offseason in search of a new contract.
While being honored for his work in the New York community during a Wednesday night event, Big Blue's most productive receiver last season said that he hopes the situation is resolved soon.
"Right now, my agent (Michael Perrett) and (general manager) Joe (Schoen), they're in negotiations. They're talking," Slayton said, via ESPN. "Hopefully, we'll come to a resolution here soon."
Slayton inked a two-year, $12.2 million contract before the 2023 season. He's due $6.2 million this season, some of which has already been paid in the form of a roster bonus.
After pacing the Giants with 50 catches for 774 yards last season -- his fourth year in the past five seasons leading the club -- Slayton wants a pay bump.
When it's all said and done, the 27-year-old would "like to remain a Giant."
General manager Joe Schoen has insisted Giants drafting Malik Nabers with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft didn't affect Slayton's situation. The rookie's presence does, however, give New York a potent go-to playmaker it's lacked.
The Giants' WR room is currently pretty deep, with Nabers, Jalin Hyatt, Wan'Dale Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, Isaiah McKenzie and Slayton at the top. Slayton's speed is a needed element, but the addition of Nabers, along with the other recent early-round selections, could curtail the veteran's production in 2024.
Slayton is confident the situation won't linger into training camp.
"I don't think it will get to that point," he said. "Like I said, it's been good, constant communication throughout the whole process. It'll be resolved soon."
Slayton skipping voluntary workouts is a blip on the radar. The first real test is whether the wideout will opt to forgo mandatory minicamp -- June 11-13 -- and incur fines if a deal isn't done.
