The Indianapolis Colts are set to add veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton to their roster, multiple sources confirmed Monday night.
Slayton, who spent the previous seven seasons with the New York Giants, will join the team as it looks to bolster its receiving group. The move comes after starting wideout Alec Pierce suffered a left heel injury during Sunday night’s overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Pierce left the game late in the first quarter after pulling up while running a route. He was unable to put weight on the leg, was carted to the locker room and ruled out for the remainder of the contest. X-rays on the heel came back negative, but further evaluation was scheduled for Monday.
The injury involves the same lower leg on which Pierce underwent surgery earlier this year.
The Colts have struggled to generate consistent big-play ability outside without Pierce available. In the loss at Arrowhead Stadium, slot receiver Josh Downs stepped up with seven catches for 72 yards, but the rest of the group produced limited results. Veteran Keenan Allen managed just one reception for five yards, and the offense lacked the deep threat that Pierce typically provides.
Slayton brings experience and familiarity to the offense. He and quarterback Daniel Jones were drafted by the Giants in the same 2019 class and played together for six seasons in New York. Jones later joined Indianapolis and has revived his career with the Colts.
The pair developed a strong on-field connection during their time together, with Slayton posting some of his better statistical seasons while catching passes from Jones.
Over his Giants career, Slayton recorded 296 receptions for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns across 106 games. He started 78 of those contests and served as a reliable complementary piece capable of stretching the field. Production dipped in recent years, however.
In 2025 he finished with 37 catches for 538 yards and one score in 14 games.
The Giants released Slayton on Sept. 7, just days before the start of the regular season. The move surprised many observers given that he had signed a three-year, $36 million contract extension prior to the 2025 campaign. The post-June 1 release created limited salary-cap savings for New York while allowing Slayton to become a free agent immediately as a vested veteran.
Several teams expressed early interest after the release. Slayton had undergone core-muscle surgery in April and was still working his way back fully during training camp and the preseason. By waiting into the second week of the season, he gave himself additional recovery time before committing to a new club.
For Indianapolis, the signing addresses immediate depth needs. Ashton Dulin has been dealing with an ankle injury of his own, further thinning the group. The Colts also have Laquon Treadwell and rookie Deion Burks available, but adding a veteran with Slayton’s track record provides more proven options for head coach Shane Steichen and offensive coordinator.
Slayton posted a message on social media after his release from New York expressing gratitude for his time with the franchise.
“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,” he wrote.
The Colts enter the week at 0-2 after consecutive losses and prepare to host the Houston Texans on Sunday. Adding Slayton gives Jones another familiar target and could help stabilize the passing attack while Pierce’s status remains unclear.
Team officials have not yet announced formal terms of the agreement. Sources indicated the deal is expected to be finalized shortly, allowing Slayton to begin practicing with his new teammates as soon as this week.
Slayton, 29, stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 198 pounds. He played college football at Auburn before the Giants selected him in the fifth round. Throughout his career he has earned a reputation as a steady professional and former team captain capable of contributing without demanding a primary role.
Indianapolis previously traded Michael Pittman Jr. during the offseason and relied on Pierce as the featured outside receiver. The latest injury has forced the front office to seek additional help on the free-agent market. Bringing in a player who already knows the quarterback well represents a practical and low-risk solution for a team looking to climb back into contention in the AFC South.
The addition is expected to provide competition and depth throughout the remainder of the 2026 season. Whether Slayton becomes a regular contributor or serves primarily in a rotational capacity will depend on how quickly Pierce recovers and how the coaching staff deploys the available options.
For now, the Colts have moved quickly to address a sudden need at a critical position.
