Eagles publish six times per bowl CB Darius Slay Pro Sources: Is Lions reunion next?

By Brooks Kubena, Colton Pouncy and Cale Clinton

After five seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles publish the six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay.

The Eagles first acquired the Detroit Lions with the Detroit Lions in 2020 and immediately signed the cornerback for an extension by three years. From 2021 to 2023, Slay made three consecutive Pro -Bowls and brought him a newly negotiated contract and an extension in the 2023 low season.

Slay, 34, has one of the best seasons of his career. His 42.4 percent final assessment, 5.4 yards per finish and 15 pass separations are all its best grades since accession to the Eagles. His year contributed to leading a defensive back group of Young Eagles that dominates the air. In 2024, Philadelphia allowed a depth of 174.2 yards per game that have been lowest by the franchise for at least 2000.

With a hit of $ 13.77 million for the 2025 season, Slay should be the fifth largest CAP hit for the Eagles squad this coming season. If the move for a publication after June 1, it opens $ 4.32 million in Cap Space for Philadelphia, according to Over the Cap.

Accordingly The athlete'S Dianna Russsini, Slay does not want to retire and will try to use an opportunity with a team other than Free Agent.

Hard calls in Philly

The Eagles were ready to make some difficult decisions in this off -season to clear their budget and to make room for the future of their duty plan. It is long speculated that Slay would be one of those who leave Philadelphia.

Apart from the financial effects, the Eagles were ready to make a transition in their re -sealed secondary level. Last year they spent their first two draft picks for Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean and both were appointed the finalist for the defensive Rookie of the Year. Slay doubled as a mentor as he fulfilled a starting role in Outside Cornerback, and he played well enough to suggest that he can find a starting role with another team.

The Eagles are currently under contract, including the veteran James Bradberry, which was equipped with a torn Achilles and Soleus throughout the 2024 season. It is possible that Bradberry, like Slay, will also be published with a name after June 1st.

The Eagles will probably expand the depth of their secondary level. Avonte Maddox and Isaiah Rodgers have both contracts that are supposed to work. Rodgers was a reliable backup throughout the season and was calculated that he would be willing to sign with the Eagles in a team -friendly deal. Otherwise, the depth of the position group is resting on Kelee Ringo, a selection in the fourth round 2023, and Eli Ricks, a non -dracking Free Agent in 2023, which mainly held a special team role last season.

There is a historical context in which it is described how Slay could stay in Philadelphia. Last season Maddox signed the Eagles in a lower content than if they originally cut it. But Maddox missed part of the 2023 season in the injured reserve. Slay missed three games with different injuries, but he was still effective in the off -season and started in Super Bowl Lix. It is likely that another team that needs a start cornerback will be signed by the Detroit Lions, instead. – Brooks Kubena, Eagles Beat Writer

Could Slay combine with the lions again?

Slay was excellent during his time in Detroit and although he will be 34 years old in the coming season, he still has enough in the tank to help a team look for an experienced corner. Carlton Davis III, a start -CB for the Lions last season, is a free agent. For example, if he wants $ 14 million a year in three years, is that the Lions? Perhaps. Davis had a strong year and fits that the Lions are looking for in a cornerback – a man who can be left alone to do his business in reporting. But the Lions have to pay their local stars. Last year they also designed a few corners in Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and they are considered the future of position.

If the Lions with Amik Robertson and two young corners on the deep card do not want to enter the 2025 season, reunion would make a lot of sense with killing. He was able to end his career where he started, fought for a super bowl, deliver a steady CB game, remove pressure on the young boys and develop them. Slay is in the file and says he would welcome a return to Detroit. We will see if the two sides can make it. – Colton Pouncy, Lions Beat Writer

Required reading

(Photo: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images)