The New York Giants have emerged as a possible destination for Aaron Rodgers in the 2025 NFL season. Even though Darius Slayton may not get to play with the veteran quarterback in the Big Apple, the wideout discussed the implications of this potential move, with a message for Rodgers and Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
During a recent appearance on “The Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard” podcast, Slayton warned the Giants’ coaching staff that they should be aware that the 4x NFL MVP isn’t a quarterback you can shape at this point.
“Aaron Rodgers is what he is,” Slayton said. “There’s not really much molding of Aaron Rodgers at this point. He’s obviously an all-time great quarterback, great guy to play with. But I was referring to being able to mold a guy. Aaron Rodgers is Aaron Rodgers. You ain’t molding him.”
Slayton, however, also had a warning for Rodgers. The 28-year-old may not come back to New York as he’s hitting free agency this offseason, but still let the quarterback know that he should put in the work to build chemistry with the wide receivers.
Darius Slayton #86 of the New York Giants reacts after the game against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on December 08, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
“They would need [organized team activities], they would need camp reps, they would need to get on the same page with him,” Slayton said. “And if the Giants were to do that, I would think there would have to be an understanding that he has to be willing to help bring these guys along. He can’t come in there and expect them to be like Davante and be a proven product and finished product and be ready to go. If that was the route for them to take, it would have to be with that understanding in order for it to be successful.“
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Giants should learn from Jets’ experience with Rodgers
Rodgers is expected to be available this offseason as the New York Jets have already announced their decision to part with the quarterback two years after trading for him. In 2023, the team made a big effort to get A-Rod from the Green Bay Packers.
The Jets went all in on the former Super Bowl champion, pleasing him by adding familiar faces from his time in Green Bay. And while an injury ended his season prematurely in his first year, his second season in New York left a lot to be desired.
Rodgers’ next team may not give the quarterback the same treatment, knowing that the 41-year-old doesn’t have much left in the tank. According to Slayton, there’s only one way Rodgers on the Giants goes well: Daboll and his assistants understanding what to expect from the QB, and Rodgers making an effort to make things work with the young pass catchers on the team.
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Slayton’s future with Giants uncertain
Slayton will be able to explore his options in the open market this summer, but it might be a bit soon to rule out a return to the Giants. Speaking with Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post in January, the wideout made it clear that his priority will be to have a prominent role next season.
“My main priority is just being an integral part of whatever offense I’m [in],” Slayton said. “I think I’ve shown that I’m a good football player. I’ve shown that I’m a positive impact in whatever offense I’m a part of. My primary goal is to get somewhere, or be a part of an offense, where I have a chance to impact the game every Sunday.”
