The Indianapolis Colts have surfaced as a team to watch for veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton after the New York Giants released him Monday, six days before the start of the regular season.
NFL reporter Josina Anderson reported that three clubs have already reached out to Slayton’s representatives for early conversations. Separate from those talks, she flagged Indianapolis because of the receiver’s history with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones.
“NEW: I’m told three teams have already reached out for preliminary discussions on WR Darius Slayton, per league source. Separate from those conversations, I would also monitor the #Colts as a potential early consideration, given Slayton’s relationship with QB Daniel Jones.”
Anderson later added context so there would be no confusion about the initial interest.
“Just to clear: Colts are not among those initial 3 teams, but given Slayton’s relationship with Jones something to monitor if a position need arises in Indy down the line too. Thus why I said, separate from those 3 conversations above.”
The Colts created a hole at receiver this offseason when they traded Pro Bowl wideout Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The deal helped free cap space so the team could keep Jones and pay Alec Pierce.
Pierce is now expected to operate as the primary outside threat, but he is still recovering from ankle surgery and is likely to be limited when Indianapolis opens the season. The Colts signed veteran Keenan Allen during the preseason to add a reliable target, yet the group still looks thin behind Pierce and slot receiver Josh Downs.
Slayton, 29, spent his entire seven-year NFL career with the Giants after they drafted him in the fifth round in 2019. Jones was taken in the same draft class, and the two spent six seasons together in New York.
During the years he caught passes from Jones, Slayton totaled 259 receptions for 3,897 yards and 21 touchdowns. In 2025, his first season without Jones as his quarterback, he posted 37 catches for 538 yards and one score in 14 games.
For his full Giants tenure he finished with 296 receptions, 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns in 106 games, averaging 15 yards per catch. He led the team in receiving four times in his first five seasons.
Three years ago Slayton talked about how much he valued growing up with Jones as the franchise quarterback.
“I consider myself blessed, because there have been hundreds of thousands of receivers that have come into this league and had a veteran quarterback or a rough quarterback situation. Getting to grow alongside the franchise guy is a very blessed position to be in,” Slayton said in 2023, via The Athletic.
“I’m just fortunate I’m here. I’m fortunate I was drafted alongside of him, and I look forward to working with him.”
A move to Indianapolis would put that chemistry back on the field. Colts coach Shane Steichen is still looking for the team’s first playoff appearance under his watch, and an extra veteran who already understands Jones’ timing could help if Pierce’s availability remains in question.
Slayton signed a three-year, $36 million contract with New York before the 2025 season. He is owed roughly $9.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026, meaning any new contract would almost certainly come at a lower number that could fit the Colts’ remaining cap room.
After the Giants announced the release, Slayton posted a short message of thanks.
“Grateful for my time in NY. 7 years a Giant nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL. Excited to see what’s next.”
The Giants saved about $3.2 million against the 2026 cap with the post-June 1 cut while absorbing more than $12 million in dead money. New coach John Harbaugh’s staff had already moved Slayton down the depth chart behind Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Malachi Fields.
Whether Indianapolis becomes more than a team to monitor will depend on how quickly Pierce ramps up and whether the three clubs already in talks make a formal offer first. For now, the shared draft-class history between Slayton and Jones keeps the Colts in the conversation.
