DARIUS SLAYTON STANDS BY RUSSELL WILSON: 'ONE GAME DOESN’T DEFINE US—WE’VE GOT HIS BACK 100%'
The New York Giants may have started their 2025 season with a disappointing 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders, but one thing is crystal clear: Darius Slayton believes in Russell Wilson. Despite the criticism Wilson has faced following his rough debut, Slayton is firm in his support of the veteran quarterback, declaring that the team is behind him “100%.”
“Look, we all know what Russell is capable of, and we’ve seen it time and time again,” Slayton said. “One game doesn’t define him or any of us. We need to execute better as a unit, and when we do, the results will come. Russell is our guy, and I have no doubt that when we all get in sync, he’ll lead us to where we need to be. We’re all in this together, and we’ve got his back—100%. We win as a team, we lose as a team.”
Slayton's words come after a challenging performance for Wilson, who struggled to get the offense moving in the loss to Washington. Wilson completed just 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards and zero touchdowns, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether the Giants made the right choice in bringing him in to lead the offense. However, Slayton made it clear that football is a team sport and that the blame should not fall solely on Wilson's shoulders.
“Football is a team game, and we all share responsibility for that performance,” Slayton explained. “It’s not just on Russell. We all have to execute better, and when we do, I know Russell will lead us. This team has the potential to bounce back, and that starts with staying together and trusting the process.”
Slayton, the Giants' longest-tenured offensive player, is known for his leadership and positive attitude in the locker room. He understands the ups and downs that come with a football season, especially in the early weeks. “One game doesn’t define our season. It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he said, staying focused on the bigger picture.
The Giants now look to Week 2, where they will face off against the Dallas Cowboys in another crucial divisional matchup. Slayton’s message to his teammates and fans is clear: they have to remain united and focused on improvement. If the offense can get in sync and execute better, Slayton believes the team will be successful.
“We’ve got to put in the work, and when we do, we’ll see results. Russell is here for a reason, and we believe in him. As a team, we’ll move forward together,” Slayton said.
With Slayton’s leadership and a committed team effort, the Giants will look to bounce back from their Week 1 loss and get their first win of the season against the Cowboys. The journey ahead won’t be easy, but with unwavering confidence in each other, the Giants have a chance to turn their season around.
Lions, WR Jameson Williams reach agreement on 3-year extension worth as much as $83 million: Reports
The Detroit Lions and wide receiver Jameson Williams have reached an agreement on a three-year extension that could be worth as much as $83 million, according to multiple reports.
The deal comes with $67 million guaranteed, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Williams, 24, was entering the fourth year of his rookie contract with a fifth-year option. He's fresh off a breakout 2024 campaign, during which he nearly tripled his previous single-season high in receiving yards.
The Ohio State-turned-Alabama product eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time in his career while totaling eight touchdowns in 15 regular-season games, three more than he played the year before and nine more than he played as a rookie in 2022.
Williams' deal is the latest in a long line of Lions extensions over the last two offseasons. The fourth-year receiver and 2022 No. 12 overall pick joins quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, right tackle Penei Sewell, left tackle Taylor Decker, safety Kerby Joseph and defensive tackle Alim McNeill in receiving long-term commitments from the organization.
Williams finally erupted on the field this past season, but he's had trouble off it since he entered the league. After missing most of his rookie season while healing up from an ACL tear he suffered at Alabama, he was suspended four games in 2023 for violating the NFL's gambling rules. Williams was suspended two more games in 2024 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
Although Williams has yet to play a complete 17-game regular season, he's offered the Lions the kind of offensive fireworks they can't ignore.
Williams is best known as a deep threat and gadget player extraordinaire. Last season, he averaged 17.3 yards per reception. He also rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown in the regular season.
The last game he played, he was zigging and zagging and then somersaulting on a 61-yard trick play touchdown run that, according to the NFL's Next Gen Stats, actually covered 122.6 yards.
Although that highlight-reel play came in an NFC divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, it was yet another example of his game-changing speed, which has been on full display since he hauled in his first career reception, a 41-yard touchdown.
Williams swapped out his No. 9 jersey for No. 1 this offseason. He's got a new number on his chest and on his contract, and he's ready to take the top off more defenses in 2025.
