The Kansas City Chiefs are off to an undefeated start to the 2024 campaign, as the team is 5-0 and boasts one of the most formidable defenses in the NFL. Though Steve Spagnuolo’s defense has been impressive through five games, Patrick Mahomes and the offense are still a work in progress.
Kansas City has yet to score 30 points in any game this season, and the offense has been sporadic and underwhelming. One of the primary reasons for the Chiefs’ subpar offensive output is injuries to the wide receiver corps., as Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown suffered season-ending injuries.
With Andy Reid’s unit lacking depth and high-end talent at receiver outside of rookie Xavier Worthy, Deadspin’s Adam Zielonka suggests New York Giants wideout Darius Slayton as a potential trade option for Kansas City.
Many fans seem to want DeAndre Hopkins to team up with Patrick Mahomes, but not only is he older and more expensive, he’s currently playing through an MCL tear. Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen of the Panthers and Jets fourth fiddle Mike Williams all could be fine fits, but the consistent Slayton offers the most upside to me. He’s been the Giants’ leading receiver in four of the past five seasons and can only improve if he goes from playing with Daniel Jones to playing with Mahomes. He’s low-risk as a half-year rental but could be worth re-signing if he looks the part this winter. The Chiefs and Giants have made a midseason receiver trade before, but Slayton is no Kadarius Toney-level bust.
Due to inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of winning, Slayton’s consistent play over the last few years has gone under the radar. The former Auburn Tiger has posted four 700-yard seasons since he entered the league in 2019, including a career-high 770 yards in 2023.
Impressive play from rookie Malik Nabers and a breakout campaign from Wan’Dale Robinson have caused Slayton to be the odd man out in New York’s wide receivers room. Making a Slayton trade even more possible is the fact that he’s in the final year of his deal.
Slayton isn’t the most exhilarating player, but he’s experienced and has been a solid security blanket for the Giants. He would be a seamless fit with Patrick Mahomes and perfectly complements Xavier Worthy. Additionally, he can be a deep threat and the former fifth-round pick has stayed relatively healthy, missing just one game in the last three seasons.
Acquiring Slayton shouldn’t be problematic for general manager Brett Veach, as a Day 3 pick will be enough to bring the 27-year-old to Kansas City.
The Chiefs will put the trade talk on the back burner on Sunday, as the team will square off against the San Francisco 49ers in a Super Bowl rematch from February.
