The Kansas City Chiefs are off to an undefeated start to the 2024 campaign, as the team is 5-0 and boasts one of the most fearsome defenses in the NFL. Although Steve Spagnuolo’s defense has been impressive through five games, Patrick Mahomes and the offense are still a work in progress.
Kansas City has yet to score 30 points in any game this season, and the offense has been sporadic and disappointing. One of the biggest reasons for the Chiefs’ lackluster offensive performance is injuries to the wide receiver corps, like Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown. suffered season-ending injuries.
With Andy Reid’s unit lacking depth and high-end talent at receiver outside of rookie Xavier Worthy, Adam Zielonka of Deadspin suggests the New York Giants are ruling out Darius Slayton as a potential trade option for Kansas City.
Many fans seem to want DeAndre Hopkins to team up with Patrick Mahomes, but not only is he older and more expensive, but he’s currently playing through a torn MCL. Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen to Panthers and Jets fourth fiddle Mike Williams could all fit, but the consistent Slayton gives me the most upside. He’s been the Giants’ leading receiver in four of the last five seasons and can only get better if he moves from playing with Daniel Jones to Mahomes. He’s low risk for a half-year rental, but could be worth re-signing if he looks up to it this winter. The Chiefs and Giants already made a midseason receiver swap, but Slayton isn’t a failure on the level of Kadarius Toney.
Due to inconsistent quarterback play and lack of wins, Slayton’s consistent play over the past few years has gone unnoticed. The former Auburn Tiger has four 700-yard seasons since entering the league in 2019, including a career-high 770 yards in 2023.
The impressive play of rookie Malik Nabers and the impactful campaign of Wan’Dale Robinson have made Slayton the odd man out in New York’s receiver room. What makes a Slayton trade even more possible is the fact that he is in the final year of his contract.
Slayton isn’t the most exciting player, but he is experienced and a solid security blanket for the Giants. He would fit right in with Patrick Mahomes and complements Xavier Worthy perfectly. Additionally, he can pose a serious threat and the former fifth-round pick has remained relatively healthy, missing just one game over the past three seasons.
Acquiring Slayton should be no problem for general manager Brett Veach, as a day three pick will be enough to bring the 27-year-old to Kansas City.
The Chiefs will put trade talks on the back burner Sunday, as the team faces the San Francisco 49ers in a Super Bowl rematch from February.
