Darius Slayton had multiple options after the New York Giants released him, but multiple factors helped make theIndianapolis Colts his choice.
The veteran wide receiver told reporters that several teams contacted him during the past week. And it was the opportunity in Indianapolis and his past connection with quarterback Daniel Jones that made him want to be a Colt.
“Yeah, a few teams reached out over the span of the last week,” Slayton said, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. “I saw that (Alec) Pierce went down. Obviously, I wasn’t cheering for that, but obviously I knew that kind of would provide some opportunity here. And DJ being here, being familiar with the quarterback also helped."
Did Darius Slayton have other options than the #Colts?
“Yeah, a few teams reached out over the span of the last week. …” “I saw that (Alec) Pierce went down. Obviously, I wasn’t cheering for that, but obviously I knew that kind of would provide some opportunity here. …” pic.twitter.com/pxGqY5La1P
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 23, 2026
Indianapolis officially signed Slayton on Tuesday, adding the experienced target as Pierce recovers.
Slayton, 29, spent his first seven seasons with the Giants and overlapped with Colts quarterback Daniel Jones from 2019 through 2024.
That acquaintance should help Slayton acclimate quickly. He has 296 career receptions for 4,435 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 15 yards per catch across 106 games.
In 2025, he recorded 37 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown.
Slayton can't fully replicate Pierce, who has led the NFL in yards per reception in consecutive seasons. However, his speed and chemistry with Jones may threaten defenses downfield during Pierce's time on the sideline.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Darius Slayton reveals why he chose Colts over other teams
