The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly made an addition at wide receiver, signing veteran Darius Slayton, according to multiple reports.
Slayton, 29, has appeared in 106 games and made 78 starts. He's caught 296 passes, averaging 15.0 yards per catch with 22 touchdowns.
Here are three things to know about the newest Colts wideout, including why this signing was made.
Why did the Colts sign Darius Slayton?
The injury to Alec Pierce in the team's Week 2 game was likely the catalyst behind this move. According to Ian Rapoport, Pierce is attempting to rehab the heel injury rather than undergoing surgery. He is, however, still expected to miss "several weeks."
What can Darius Slayton add to the Colts' offense?
In addition to bolstering the wide receiver room's depth, Slayton adds needed speed to this unit as well. Without Pierce, that was
an element that was missing. The lack of speed not only reduces the big-play potential of the offense, but it also allows defenses to defend the Colts more aggressively overall in the passing game without the fear of getting beat over the top.
Adding Slayton to the mix can help give the Colts that vertical presence. For his career, he is averaging 15.0 yards per catch and has often been targeted on the intermediate to deep routes. Opponents have to be mindful of Slayton's downfield abilities, which can not only lead to big plays, but can also help open up the Colts' passing game elsewhere.
Darius Slayton's connection with Daniel Jones
Slayton was a fifth-round pick in 2019 by the Giants, and he spent his career in New York up until recently, when he was released. Both Jones and Slayton were part of the Giants' 2019 rookie class and were in New York together up until 2024. Slayton's two most productive seasons came with Jones as his quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Why did Colts sign free agent WR Darius Slayton?
