The Washington Commanders need to think on their feet after losing wide receiver Terry McLaurin to a torn patellar tendon. General manager Adam Peters might be content with what he has, but he could look outside the building if the right opportunity presents itself.
Rumors are swirling about trades and high-profile acquisitions to fill the gaping void left by McLaurin.
However, one option is flying completely under the radar and could provide a solid short-term solution to this major problem.
Commanders could do worse than bring Darius Slayton in for a workout
Darius Slayton is looking for a route back into the league after his time with the Indianapolis Colts ended last week. It was surprising to see nobody pick him up quickly afterward, but he is a dependable weapon who could become a decent rotational option for the Commanders with a smooth transition.
Slayton has speed. He runs crisp routes and can make plays in big moments. While the trajectory has been pointing down in recent months, bringing him in for a workout wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
It's not earth-shattering, obviously.
But in the Commanders' current state, fans shouldn't expect it to be.
The 2019 fifth-round pick out of Auburn has 296 receptions, 4,435 receiving yards, and 22 career touchdowns. The New York Giants re-signed Slayton this offseason, but he didn't make the 53-man roster. Indianapolis gave him a chance, but it wasn't the best environment in which to thrive.
Darius Slayton is experienced and dependable, which is what the Commanders need
Washington might be happy with its current options, even without McLaurin.
They have four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs, who'll probably take on the WR1 mantle with McLaurin out of the picture. Third-round rookie Antonio Williams and Treylon Burks have both flashed in recent weeks. Luke McCaffrey and Dyami Brown are still around, and Van Jefferson Jr. is on the practice squad if needed.
Not exactly a who's who of elite performers. But the Commanders could still stand pat.
If Peters decides that another body is needed, Slayton makes sense. He's experienced enough to slot into offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme quickly, and he's got plenty of NFC East knowledge from his seven-year career with the Giants. It's not the biggest name, but it never is at this time of year.
Slayton will also be cheap.
Peters has already said he wants to save as much cap as possible for upcoming contract extensions. That may play a role in his decision-making, and someone like Slayton will be happy for the opportunity.
Nobody is going to replace McLaurin. That's not really up for discussion. But in terms of options on the free-agent market right now, Slayton is among the best in legitimate football shape.
It'll be interesting to see what (if anything) Peters does to plug the gap. But the Commanders could do a lot worse than Slayton.
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