Darius Slayton, Wide Receiver, New York Giants
It wasn’t long ago that Daniel Jones had started his career and everyone was buzzing about his connection with one Darius Slayton. Slayton garnered the attention of many in his first two seasons when he caught 48 and 50 passes respectfully. After battling injuries throughout his short career, Slayton finished last season as an afterthought in their offensive scheme. He was no longer considered a starter and finished last season with a career-low 26 receptions. Now, he may be playing his final preseason in New York.
The Giants have Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shephard, Kadarius Toney, Wan’Dale Robinson, and David Sills V on the roster. With that kind of new talent paired with a regime change, Slayton’s days with the Giants could be numbered. The Chiefs could capitalize on his release and make him the Josh Gordon replacement. Slayton wouldn’t play more than JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Mecole Hardman, or Skyy Moore, but could make for a great rotational piece in the middle of the field along with Justin Watson as the 5th or 6th option on the depth chart. If Slayton is ultimately let go, the Chiefs should at least consider the possibility.
Greg Ward, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
After a promising 2020 campaign in which Greg Ward had 53 catches for 419 yards and 6 touchdowns, the former quarterback took a big step backward in terms of stats and playing time in 2021. With the new addition of A.J. Brown, it appears likely that his role could be even more diminished if he makes the Eagles’ final 53-man roster in 2022. As it seems, for now, he is the odd man out.
Again, the Chiefs could keep six wide receivers. If they do, Ward may be a better option than rolling with Daurice Fountain or Josh Gordon. Ward is a smaller guy but is very good at finding openings in a zone. If he finds the open market, he could be a good under-the-radar type move for the Chiefs offense.
Preston Williams, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
You know Brett Veach loves himself a former college star. Williams spent two years with the Tennessee Volunteers before transferring to Colorado State, where he went off for 96 receptions, 1,345 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Due to off-the-field issues that involved violating a restraining order, Williams was not invited to the NFL Combine. This ultimately led to him being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019 by the Miami Dolphins. With Miami, Williams has been a nice role player. With a new regime and new weapons added, he could be on his way out.
Preston Williams is the exact player the Chiefs could use as a Josh Gordon replacement. At 6’5, 220, Williams makes for an immediate mismatch. With Miami, Williams filled a role in which he saw much of his action in the middle of the field. After some frustration in his usage, he appears to be on the outs with the Dolphins. If the Chiefs wanted to both find a legitimate red zone threat and fill the Josh Gordon role with the younger and more explosive option, Williams would make sense.