ESPN just gave New York Giants WR Darius Slayton a shocking new label

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is a solid player. Most Giants fans would agree that. While his history of production has never resulted in a season with more than 770 receiving yards (2023), he has a knack for big plays and has proven worthy of a starting role in an NFL offense.

The Giants seem to agree. New York signed Slayton to a three-year, $36 million contract this offseason, cementing his role as the WR2 opposite Malik Nabers for the next few seasons.

And while Slayton's upside may be capped at a bit more production than what he's managed so far -- the Giants should have better quarterback play in 2025 and beyond -- expectations should be held in check. He won't win any fantasy championships or lead the NFL in catches or yards, but he recently received quite a distinction from ESPN: the NFL's most underrated wide receiver.

"Slayton wasn't supposed to be anything special as a fifth-round pick in 2019, but he started nine games and caught eight touchdown passes in his rookie season," ESPN's Aaron Schatz wrote."Sure, he hasn't come anywhere close to that end zone production since then. But the Giants played Slayton alongside Malik Nabers last season, and you need at least two starting wide receivers to survive in the modern NFL. Slayton caught 39 passes for 573 yards, which was convincing enough for the Giants to bring him back on a three-year, $36 million contract."

Schatz conditioned his rankings by saying his choices for underrated players are based on misconstrued opinions; a player viewed as good who may actually be great, or a player viewed as average who may actually be good.

Slayton seems to fit the latter of those two categories.

At this point in Darius Slayton's career, it's fair to say he's viewed as an average NFL starter. And, to be honest, that characterization seems right on point.

Could a breakout season be in the cards for Slayton in 2025? Sure, anything is possible, especially with competent quarterback play from Russell Wilson. But at 28 years old and six pro seasons on his resume, he's perfectly acceptable for what he is, even if he isn't actually underrated.

MORE GIANTS COVERAGE:

• Chris Simms makes shocking prediction about Jaxson Dart
• WATCH: Giants minicamp highlights of rookie RB Cam Skattebo
• New York Giants' offensive lineman dubbed team's 2025 breakout candidate
• Russell Wilson won't like this prediction from NFL analyst
• Giants could land former Bills $120 million star in bombshell move
• Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo quicking becoming New York Giants fan favorites