Darius Slayton may be on his final NFL chance with the Indianapolis Colts.
Per The Ringer's Tom Pelissero, who broke the news, "With Alec Pierce dealing with a heel injury, Indianapolis turns to Slayton, who played the past seven seasons with the Giants — and now reunites with Daniel Jones."
With Alec Pierce suffering a left heel injury, leaving Arrowhead Stadium on a boot and crutches during a 33-30 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, Slayton is a Hail Mary from Chris Ballard and Co.
Maybe it'll work out. Certainly, the formula is there for it to work.
Darius Slayton and Daniel Jones go way back on the Giants
Slayton and Daniel Jones were both part of the New York Giants' 2019 draft class. Together, they produced 3,897 yards and 21 touchdowns over six seasons. Slayton was still on the Giants last year, while Jones moved on to Indy to give way to Jaxson Dart. Slayton played during 81% of New York's offensive snaps in 14 games.
Slayton struggled in East Rutherford, New Jersey, though. While dealing with a sports hernia, Slayton was targeted 60 times but finished with just 37 receptions during the 2025 season. He was credited with six dropped passes.
Slayton was released despite a freshly signed three-year deal worth up to $36 million in the 2025 offseason. Cutting him saved NYG $3.16 million in 2026 salary cap space but created $3 million in dead money for the 2027 salary cap.
Perhaps a change of scenery could revitalize Slayton's career. Playing under Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka didn't serve him well, but only Wan'Dale Robinson had what could be considered a breakthrough season in the room for Big Blue.
Darius Slayton about to hit the typical NFL receiver cliff
What's worrisome about Slayton's future is that his decline started before the typical NFL receiver cliff. 30 is when things start to fizzle at the position. Slayton turns 30 in January.
If Slayton can stay healthy, he has a chance to buck the trend. That's a huge if, though. Slayton just had core muscle surgery during the offseason.
Slayton isn't quite the deep threat Pierce was, but he can be a complement to Josh Downs if the chemistry with Jones still exists.
Time will tell if this will set Slayton up for his next contract or an exit from the NFL altogether.
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