New York Giants veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton was outstanding in Monday's primetime defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Slayton posted a game-high 108 receiving yards via just four receptions, averaging 27 yards per catch. Slayton's seven targets trailed just workhorse Malik Nabers (13) for the team lead.
The defeat dropped the Giants to 2-6, keeping them in fourth place in the NFC East. The Giants' postseason hopes have essentially dissipated, ensuring that general manager Joe Schoen should be an aggressive seller at the upcoming NFL trade deadline. Slayton could be the Giants' most intriguing asset that Schoen is willing to trade in exchange for additional draft capital.
Slayton is currently playing on an expiring contract with a base salary of $2.5 million. His reasonable contract should make him a target for contending teams. We've identified three potential landing spots via trade.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a double whammy at the wide receiver position. Chris Godwin suffered a season-ending injury in a Week 7 primetime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Superstar wideout Mike Evans injured his hamstring in that same defeat, sending him to the sideline for multiple weeks.
Tampa's wide receiver corps struggled in their first game without Evans and Godwin, a crucial Week 8 divisional loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The trio of Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer, and Sterling Shepard, tasked with picking up the load, combined for just nine receptions and 82 receiving yards. The Buccaneers' passing game was totally reliant on tight end Cade Otton, who accumulated nine catches and two touchdowns. Slayton would offer Baker Mayfield a deep vertical threat while Evans heals up.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers had a front-row seat to Slayton's dominance on Monday. The veteran pass-catcher routinely torched Mike Tomlin's secondary by creating vertical separation. The Steelers are surging since elevating Russell Wilson into the starting lineup, currently sitting at 6-2 and atop the AFC North.
Wilson has been so impressive, throwing for 542 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions in two starts. Pass-catching depth wasn't an issue on Monday, with Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin both offering George Pickens quality support. It's tough to count on Jefferson and Austin to turn in those performances weekly though, and third-round rookie Roman Wilson was recently placed on IR. The Steelers should further invest in their red-hot offense by adding another receiver to the fold.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are dealing with various injuries at the wide receiver position. Nico Collins currently remains on IR with a hamstring injury. Stefon Diggs suffered a concerning-looking knee injury in Sunday's Week 8 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The severity is unknown, with the Texans holding their breath for good news.
The 6-2 Texans haven't been as dominant as expected, but they still sit comfortably atop the AFC South. Their season-long point differential of +9 indicates they're somewhat fortunate to have their record. Regardless, they're still racing toward the postseason, and franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud could use another weapon if Diggs is sidelined.
