It seems unlikely that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be able to acquire wide receiver Courtland Sutton from the Denver Broncos. However, Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now has suggested a potential alternative trade target for Pittsburgh: New York Giants wideout Darius Slayton.
Farabaugh argues that the Steelers could pursue Slayton to pair with budding star receiver George Pickens, making it a potentially strong move if they’re willing to offer some draft capital. Slayton’s contract is still affordable, and acquiring him wouldn’t jeopardize future deals, including one for Pickens.
Although Slayton hasn’t surpassed 800 receiving yards in his five-year NFL career, he’s been consistently productive, reaching 700 or more receiving yards in four of those seasons.
Slayton’s speed is notable; he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at the 2019 NFL combine, placing him among the top prospects in speed at the 2024 NFL combine.
While Slayton will need a new deal after this season, he’s likely to be affordable. His current contract is a 2-year deal worth $12 million, including a $3.5 million signing bonus.
The Steelers could target Slayton because their receiving corps lacks depth, especially after trading Diontae Johnson. Veterans Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins, signed in March, had limited production last season and aren’t guaranteed roster spots.
With only George Pickens having significant receiving yardage last season, the addition of Slayton, who excels in yards per catch, could bolster the Steelers’ offense. Slayton has averaged 15.1 yards per catch in his career and has consistently recorded at least 15 yards per catch in four of his five seasons.
While the Steelers have pursued Brandon Aiyuk and Courtland Sutton this offseason, the likelihood of acquiring either has diminished. The 49ers are actively engaging Aiyuk in contract negotiations, and the Broncos have no plans to trade Sutton despite multiple inquiries.
Acquiring Aiyuk or Sutton would require more draft capital and likely be more expensive than Slayton. Therefore, Slayton could be a preferred option for the Steelers, allowing them to secure a solid No. 2 receiver while preserving their 2024 draft capital and maintaining cap space for Pickens’ potential future contract.