Giants sign Colts WR Parris Campbell, re-sign WR Darius Slayton and DE Jihad Ward: sources
The Giants signed Indianapolis Colts free agent wide receiver Parris Campbell on Thursday to a one-year contract worth up to $6.7 million on Thursday, sources told the Daily News.
It’s a $4.7 million contract that includes a $3 million base amount and $1.7 million in per game roster bonuses, plus $2 million more available in incentives, sources said.
GM Joe Schoen also re-signed two key players from last season’s playoff team: wide receiver Darius Slayton and edge rusher Jihad Ward.
Slayton, last season’s leading Giants receiver, got a reported two-year, $12 million contract worth up to $16.5 million. Ward, who was the life of last season’s locker room, is back on a one-year contract, a source said.
Campbell, a former second-round draft pick from Ohio State, is a speedy and versatile wideout who can play both outside and inside in Brian Daboll’s offense.
He is coming off a career-best season with 63 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns.
“Fast, physical guy and a great leader,” new Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke said Thursday of Campbell, his former Colts teammate. “He’s always had elite speed.”
Campbell’s and Slayton’s signings follow the Giants’ Tuesday trade for Raiders tight end Darren Waller to upgrade Daniel Jones’ weapons in the pass game, along with the depth signing of former Jets wide receiver Jeff Smith, who plays gunner on punt coverage.
And Schoen may not be done.
Odell Beckham Jr. is still a free agent, and the Daily News hears the Giants are still in the mix there, too — although OBJ has multiple suitors, including soon-to-be Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
A Giants reunion wouldn’t be feasible with his reported $15-20 million salary ask, either. It would have to happen more creatively to fit under the team’s salary cap. So while it’s unlikely, with suitors like the Cowboys, Bills, Chiefs, Ravens and Jets in play, it’s not impossible.
Campbell has an injury history. He played in only 15 of a possible 49 games his first three NFL seasons. But he stayed on the field last season and played all 17.
That explains the structure of this prove-it contract that pays him real money and gives him a chance to earn a lot more.
Campbell will earn a minimum of $3 million with a $1.5 million signing bonus, a $1.4 million guaranteed salary and a $100,000 workout bonus.
Then he can earn up to $1.7 million more in per game roster bonuses ($100,000 per game). That’s the money that accounts for his $4.7 million salary cap hit.
Plus, Campbell has a chance to make up to $2 million more in incentives.
The incentives include $200,000 each for four, six and eight receiving TDs; 55, 65 and 75 receptions; and 700, 800 and 900 receiving yards. He’ll get another $100,000 if he leads the Giants in either receptions, receiving yards or receiving TDs, too.
He dabbled in kick returns as a Colts rookie in 2019, so that’s also something to keep in mind.
The roster build will continue as the Giants’ staff tours college pro days and the front office prepares for top-30 April prospect visits and the NFL Draft.
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