When Darius Slayton walked onto the field at OTA No. 9 wearing his new No. 18 jersey, there was something different—not just about the number stitched across his chest, but about the energy he brought with him. The veteran wide receiver, entering his sixth season with the New York Giants, looked and sounded refreshed. That wasn’t just a result of the lighter OTA schedule. It was because of what—and who—was surrounding him.
From a rejuvenated quarterback room to an emerging core of young wideouts, Slayton believes the pieces are falling into place for a bounce-back year in East Rutherford.
A New Look, A New Leader
Slayton’s number change to 18 was a casual move—“No personal reason,” he shrugged—but the acquisition of Russell Wilson is anything but. The former Super Bowl champion and 10-time Pro Bowler is already making a significant impression.
“His knowledge of the game has shown already,” said Slayton. “He’s really accurate, really smart. He’s helped keep us in good plays throughout the whole camp. His impact has been felt for sure.”
Slayton, long known for his ability to stretch the field, is already reaping the benefits of Wilson’s deep-ball prowess. According to the receiver, Wilson has missed maybe one or two deep throws all camp.
“That’s kind of how I made my name in this league—making plays down the field,” Slayton added. “Now you’ve got me, Jalin [Hyatt], Malik [Nabers], Wan’Dale [Robinson]—we can all fly. The ball is coming our way more often.”
Chemistry and Clarity
When asked about building chemistry with his new QB, Slayton was quick to praise Wilson’s communication skills and leadership.
“He has a very clear vision of what he wants. He’s a very clear communicator. As long as your ears work, all you got to do is listen.”
Slayton shared an example of Wilson’s attention to detail: even when the play design favors a short route, Russ reminds his deep threats to stay alert.
“He’ll be like, ‘Hey, you’ve got the post here, but you’re not dead.’ That gives you extra juice. You’re going to run anyway, but now you know you’ve got a legit shot to get the ball.”
A Quarterback Room Unlike Any Other
With Wilson entrenched as the starter, veteran Jameis Winston adds another dynamic personality—and an unusual spark—to the QB room.
“Jameis is a wild card,” Slayton joked. “You could be talking about a slant route and somehow you end up talking about Kentucky Fried Chicken. Random hard lefts—but then he comes right back on topic.”
But it’s not all comedy. Slayton highlighted Winston’s unique balance of light-heartedness and seriousness, a trait that helps teammates stay loose while remaining focused.
“He’s very serious when he needs to be. But he keeps the energy light. You’re not nervous playing with him.”
Meanwhile, rookie Jaxson Dart is soaking it all in.
“He’s got a chance to be a good football player,” Slayton said. “He can spin it for sure. You can see the arm talent without a doubt.”
Even as the reps are limited for Dart, Slayton noted he’s been getting huddle time with the first and second units, offering glimpses into his growth as the quarterback of the future.
Rebuilding, Reenergizing
Slayton re-signed with the Giants earlier this offseason, even before the quarterback acquisitions. At the time, only Tommy DeVito was under contract. Now, he sees the vision coming together.
“Free agency is always chaos,” he said. “We brought in Jameis, then Russ. Then we draft Dart. It’s a great mix. We’ve got vets, a champion, and a young gun. The room has everything.”
That influx of energy isn’t limited to just the quarterbacks. Slayton says it’s spread throughout the roster.
“I definitely think we have a lot of new energy, period. Even our UDFA guys came in and played really good ball. I’m older now, so I’m just feeling that youth around me.”
The Jalin Hyatt Transformation
One of the more under-the-radar stories of the offseason? The transformation of second-year wideout Jalin Hyatt.
“He came back swoled up,” Slayton said with a grin. “Put on like 15 to 20 pounds. Looks stronger and it’s definitely helped his game. He’s made strides this spring.”
Hyatt, known for his straight-line speed, struggled at times with physicality in his rookie campaign. Now, with added strength, he may be ready to carve out a larger role in a deep receiver group.
Eyes on the Future
With OTAs wrapping up and training camp on the horizon, Slayton is energized not just by the talent influx, but by the sense of direction. After a 2024 season marred by inconsistency, poor quarterback play, and injuries, the Giants appear more focused, experienced, and—most importantly—hopeful.
“OTAs are the most fun for receivers,” Slayton said. “You get to run around, catch balls, score touchdowns. And with these guys slinging it? You better believe we’re having fun.”
More than just fun, though, Slayton sees purpose. He believes the offensive unit is better positioned to succeed than in years past.
“We started fast today, had some lulls, but finished strong. That’s like a real game. We’re building the right way.”
Final Thoughts
Slayton’s decision to return to New York is starting to feel validated—not just in hindsight, but in real time. Between Russell Wilson’s precision, Jameis Winston’s personality, and Jaxson Dart’s potential, the Giants’ quarterback room may be the most intriguing in the NFL. And for Slayton, that means opportunity, excitement, and maybe—just maybe—a chance to help this offense soar again.
“I was confident when I came back,” he said. “Now? I’m even more confident. We’ve got a chance to be a really, really good offense.”
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