By Blessing 
As the Detroit Lions head into the offseason, addressing their wide receiver needs more aggressively than last year should be a priority. The team took too long to find a reliable third receiver behind Josh Reynolds during the previous offseason. Their initial belief in internal options proved misguided, leading them to sign Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson to the practice squad after roster cuts.
While Patrick provided a solid solution, his injury history and age — over 30 with two major setbacks before last season — make him a risky bet moving forward. The Lions could re-sign him, but it’s clear that they need a more dependable option, either through the draft or free agency.
Free agency presents the first opportunity to find that fit, and Richard Silva of the Detroit News recently highlighted a few wideouts who could elevate the Lions’ offense in 2025. One player stood out on his list: Darius Slayton. Silva praised the New York Giants’ wide receiver for his consistent production despite playing in a less-than-ideal offensive situation.
“Better receivers are out there — hello, Tee Higgins — but Slayton (6-1, 198) could end up being the best bang-for-your-buck option,” Silva noted. “Slayton’s production doesn’t pop off the screen, but that’s more a critique of New York’s offense than anything else. He was the best option on a bad team — Slayton led the Giants in receiving yards in 2022 (724) and 2023 (770), and he was third in 2024 (573) — and has been a big-play machine since he entered the league as a fifth-round pick in 2019. He’s averaged 15 yards per catch on 259 career receptions.”
Slayton has topped 720 receiving yards in four of his six seasons and consistently averaged 15 or more yards per reception. Many have speculated about what he could accomplish with a more stable quarterback situation and an efficient offensive scheme. Despite his potential, Slayton returned to the Giants in 2023 on a two-year deal when it seemed like he might test the market.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has suggested that Slayton could be in higher demand this offseason than most people expect. Fowler noted that Slayton may aim for a contract similar to Darnell Mooney’s deal with the Atlanta Falcons — three years, $39 million with a $15 million signing bonus and $26 million guaranteed.
That price point may be steep for the Lions, given their need to invest wisely in a No. 3 receiver. However, Slayton’s untapped potential makes him an intriguing option if his market value aligns with Detroit’s budget. The Lions would be wise to keep him on their radar as they navigate free agency.