Former Auburn receiver ranks top 5 in all major receiving categories among free agent receivers
Former Auburn receiver Darius Slayton is one of the hottest free agents in the NFL right now. His contract with the New York Giants ended this season after four years with the program.
He has been with the Giants in all four years of his NFL career to this point, and may stay with the Giants, but will certainly have interest from many NFL teams.
Slayton had a big season in 2022 with 46 catches on 71 targets, 724 yards and 2 touchdowns. That made it his third year out of the four with over 700 yards receiving.
Slayton at the top of many categories
According to Michael Perrett, President of football operations with Priority Sports, Slayton is the only 2023 free agent receiver under 30 who ranks inside the top five in all major receiving categories from 2019-2022.
- Receptions: 4th – 170 total
- Yards: 2nd – 2,554 total
- Yards per reception: 4th – 15.0
- Touchdowns: 5th – 15
Slayton started his career with a bang. As a rookie in 2019, he had 8 touchdowns and one 700 yards. While his touchdown numbers have gone down, his production has stayed consistent.
Assuming the price is what Slayton is looking for, he could return to the Giants for 2023 under a new contract. The Giants have expressed interest in upping his contract in order to retain him.
Slayton as a recruit
Slayton was a late addition to Auburn’s 2015 class. He was also the last recruit to flip from Georgia, in which the Tigers have had trouble accomplishing after many failed attempts since.
He ranked as the No. 168 overall player nationally, the No. 23 best wide receiver in the country, and the No. 18 best player in Georgia according to the On3 Industry rankings.
Slayton, whose hometown is Norcross, Ga., was considered a 4-star recruit by every major recruiting service and was recruited on both sides of the ball.
He finished his Auburn career with 79 catches, 1,605 yards and 11 touchdowns.
