Darius Slayton talks new energy, deep balls from Russell Wilson, and why OTAs feel different this time
The New York Giants’ wide receiver room has no shortage of speed or personality and veteran Darius Slayton is embracing both as the team’s offense enters a new era.
Slayton met with reporters Thursday following OTA No. 9 and addressed everything from his new number to his growing chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson. The biggest takeaway? Optimism.
Slayton will don No. 18 this season, a switch he says came down to availability after the Giants signed Russell Wilson. “I just wanted to be under 20,” he said. “No personal reason.” Once Wilson claimed No. 3 and Deonte Banks moved to No. 2, 18 became the natural fit.
It’s Wilson’s impact on the field not just on the jersey chart that already has Slayton excited.
“He’s really accurate, really smart,” Slayton said. “He’s helped keep us in good plays throughout the whole camp. His impact has been felt for sure.”
Slayton praised Wilson’s precision on deep balls, noting the veteran quarterback has barely missed a deep shot all camp. That’s welcome news for a receiver who’s built his career on stretching the field.
“It’s an easy ball to catch,” Slayton added, echoing teammate Wan’Dale Robinson. “Nice pace, even spiral… you don’t get killed but smooth enough to where it is very catchable.”
Slayton expects that to benefit not just him, but the entire wideout corps: “Malik [Nabers] can run, Jalin [Hyatt] can run. Even Wan’Dale’s mini legs be moving,” he said with a grin. “I think it’ll help everybody add some yards per catch.”
Slayton also took note of Hyatt’s physical development this offseason, joking, “What he was eating, maybe people or something.” Hyatt reportedly put on 15–20 pounds, and Slayton said it’s helped him play stronger.
When it comes to communication, Slayton called Wilson a “very clear communicator,” citing examples where Wilson talks through potential reads mid-huddle and keeps deep-route runners alert. “You’re gonna run anyways, but it gives you a little extra juice of, I can really get the ball right here,” Slayton explained.
Darius Slayton says Jameis Winston’s random thoughts have been have been entertaining
“We were talking about a slant, how did we get to Kentucky Fried Chicken?” pic.twitter.com/QK3MYqETiR
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) June 12, 2025
The quarterback room might be the most talked-about in the NFL, and Slayton called it “an interesting compilation of individuals.”
He described backup Jameis Winston as “a wild card,” adding, “It’s like we were talking about a slant, how did we get to Kentucky Fried Chicken?” But despite Winston’s humor, Slayton called him a steadying presence: “He has the most unique balance I’ve ever seen of light but serious… he keeps people calm.”
And rookie Jaxson Dart? Slayton says the third-stringer has shown arm talent and intelligence, despite limited reps. “He definitely can spin it. You can see the arm talent without a doubt.”
After a rough 2024 season, Slayton says this year feels different. “There’s a lot of new energy period,” he said, pointing to both the revamped quarterback room and an influx of new youthful talent.
OTAs, Slayton said, are the “funnest form of football,” but this time it’s about more than just light practices it’s about a new sense of hope. “I was confident in the direction we were going,” Slayton said. “But once we made the acquisitions… that just raised the confidence level of, alright, we have a chance to be a really, really good offense.”
