The New York Giants have had the injury bug this offseason making Darius Slayton more important than ever.
Giants wide receiver Collin Johnson is now out for the year with a torn Achilles. He was likely to earn a roster spot and would have provided great depth for Big Blue. Johnson’s injury adds to a laundry list of ailments that have affected the Giants this offseason.
The Giants’ wide receivers specifically have had a history of injury as well. Kenny Golladay has played in only 19 of his last 33 games. Sterling Shepard is coming off of an Achilles tear, and Kadarius Toney missed seven games in his rookie season.
Alex Bachman was also banged up during Wednesday’s practice, while Toney struggles to return from his latest ailment.
Due to these injury concerns, keeping Slayton is now becoming a necessity — even at his current salary.
The Auburn product has missed only six of his first 49 games in the NFL. He had a disappointing year last season with drops and lack of production but has been a reliable wide receiver overall for the New York Giants.
In three seasons, the fifth-round draft pick has totaled 124 catches, 1,830 yards and 13 touchdowns receiving. This is phenomenal production from a late-round draft pick and just the reliability that the Giants need during these trying times.