New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) hands the ball off to wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during the first half of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
When Alec Pierce re-aggravated his heel injury in the Indianapolis Colts' Week 2 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, it created a big question for Daniel Jones and company moving forward.
With Pierce expected to skip surgery for now as he looks to recover, the Colts have added another receiver for Jones to throw to, one who he has extensive experience with from their time together with the New York Giants: Darius Slayton.
“Veteran WR Darius Slayton is signing with the Colts, sources tell the Ringer and Netflix,” Pelissero wrote. “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.”
Initially drafted in the fifth round by the Giants in 2019 out of Auburn, Slayton quickly formed a strong connection with Jones in New York, with the lion's share of his career production – 296 catches for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns – coming with the then-No. 8 under center. While the Giants ultimately opted to move on from Slayton just one year into a new contract, at 29, he should still have enough tread on the tires to help the Colts in the short-term, especially considering his pre-existing connection with their quarterback.
Slayton joins a wide receiver room with plenty of size and experience but a decided lack of explosiveness, especially with Pierce no longer providing a reliable deep threat opposite Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, and Ashton Dulin. Even if he's not a down-the-field burner, Slayton's size and route running should help the Colts nonetheless.