Maintaining the talent in the passing game is essential if the Baltimore Ravens are serious about elevating their game and winning a Super Bowl with Lamar Jackson.
With Jackson completing just 54% of his passes with one score to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Ravens’ march to the Super Bowl came to an abrupt end in the AFC Championship Game.
In the vertical passing game, not even the addition of Derrick Henry—possibly the finest schematic fit out of all the free agents running backs who moved zip codes this offseason—will make a significant difference.
Even though Rashod Bateman showed he could be a dependable big-play weapon when healthy and Zay Flowers immediately established himself as a serious deep threat, the Ravens would be well to keep acquiring wide receiver depth. particularly with big-play potential.
As the Ravens’ third-receiving option last season, Nelson Agholor caught 35 catches for 381 yards and four touchdowns, highlighting the need to improve the depth and talent at the position.
Even though Slayton’s quarterback performance in New York was incredibly variable during his career, he still managed to record a career 15.1 yards per grab average and 19 touchdowns.
With 220 receptions for 3,324 yards and 19 touchdowns since the Giants selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Slayton has impressed.
Though they added Isaiah McKenzie in free agency, the Giants have high expectations for rookie receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt. If they pass on a quarterback, they should draft a real top-of-the-depth chart, blue-chip receiver with the sixth overall pick.
By moving Slayton, New York would avoid paying the cap in 2024 and save $3.8 million.
It wouldn’t be the slightest bit unexpected if Schoen makes the necessary calls to arrange a trade that sends Slayton in exchange for further draft capital and cap relief if the Giants choose a receiver with their first-round pick.
Getting Slayton early would relieve some of the temptation to reach for a receiver, even if the Ravens choose to select one later in the draft. This would free up Baltimore’s picks to address more urgent needs.
Slayton could not be needed come draft weekend, depending on what the New York Giants do with the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft.
The Giants may try to get some more draft capital in exchange for Slayton if general manager Joe Schoen and the team decide against trading up for a quarterback or forego the chance to select one at No. 6 in favor of a blue chip receiver like Washington’s Rome Odunze or LSU’s Malik Nabers.
What Would a Slayton Trade Look Like?
Both parties could benefit from this trade.
By dealing with Slayton, New York would earn immediate cap relief. Meanwhile, the Ravens would take a chance on an experienced receiver who has demonstrated the ability to break up plays and provide opportunities downfield, perhaps completing a strong receiving corps that already includes Flowers and Bateman.
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