With a 2-6 record after Monday night’s loss, the Giants seem likely to become sellers at this year’s trade deadline. However, their two most notable trade assets, Darius Slayton and Azeez Ojulari, may not be easily pried away.
The Giants held onto Slayton despite trade buzz over the summer, but they didn’t adjust his contract after he sought changes in the offseason. Now in the final year of a two-year, $12 million deal, Slayton would be relatively affordable for teams interested in a wide receiver, as his 2024 base salary has less than $1 million remaining. Ojulari, on the other hand, is in the last year of his rookie deal, making him a valuable option for teams looking to bolster their pass rush. He’s shown impressive form with six sacks this season, adding depth to a defensive front that has been strong despite injury challenges.
While the Giants have made significant trades as sellers in recent years, they would reportedly need an overwhelming offer to consider moving either player, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo. Slayton, a reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones and the team’s leading receiver four times since his rookie season, has racked up 420 receiving yards across 29 catches this year, putting him on track for a career-high season. For teams facing injuries or depth issues at wide receiver, he could provide a valuable midseason boost.
Ojulari, meanwhile, emerged with an impressive rookie season (eight sacks) but was quieter the past two years. This season, he’s been a strong rotational force, helping the Giants stay competitive defensively, even with star linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux sidelined by a wrist injury. Thibodeaux is expected to return soon, possibly pushing Ojulari back into a rotation with Brian Burns. With Burns already on a sizable deal and Thibodeaux potentially staying under his rookie contract through 2026, re-signing Ojulari might be financially challenging for the Giants.
If the Giants lose to the NFC East-leading Commanders in Week 9, falling to 2-7, it would likely signal a stronger push toward trades. Offers for Slayton and Ojulari could contribute to the Giants’ future draft prospects, providing flexibility in the 2025 draft. However, with GM Joe Schoen under pressure to improve the team, waiting for future compensatory picks in 2026 might not be as appealing. For now, both Slayton and Ojulari are names to watch ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
