3 Wide Receivers Patriots Can Acquire After JuJu Smith-Schuster Release

Darius Slayton, New York Giants

Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton had signed a two-year extension in the 2023 offseason. After having an excellent season last year, he wanted an improvement on that deal. The contract drama was eventually resolved when the Giants gave him an adjustment to his 2024 salary.

However, the 27-year-old didn't get the lucrative, long-term deal that he desired. This makes him an obvious trade candidate.

The Giants drafted Malik Nabers and signed Allen Robinson in free agency. They already have Wan'Dale Robinson on the roster. They would presumably be willing to part ways with Slayton.

The best thing about Slayton is the fact that he wouldn't cost much in a potential trade. Without sacrificing draft capital or future financial flexibility, the Patriots could add a starting-caliber wide receiver.

The former Auburn star was a fifth-round pick by the Giants back in 2019. He failed to live up to the hype he created with his impressive rookie season where he had 740 yards and eight touchdowns. Yet, he still established himself as a solid WR2/3. Despite a dysfunctional offense last year, he still recorded a career-best 50 catches for 770 yards, while adding four scores.

Slayton is not going to change the fate of the franchise for the Patriots but he is a low-risk, high-reward type of addition who could still have a few more productive seasons in him.