As first reported by Adam Schefter, the Philadelphia Eagles will release long-time veteran cornerback Darius Slay who now becomes a free agent. According to one source, the writing was already on the wall for the Eagles to part ways with the cornerback since the team has enough depth in the secondary unit. Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell came into the lineup last season as rookies and put phenomenal promise which made Slay expendable for the majority of the season. Slay was contemplating retirement before winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles but he has one more season in the tank and he’s open to return to Detroit.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former Itawamba and Mississippi State product made his debut with the Lions as one of the keystone defenders in the league. His versatility and ability to cover man-to-man were effective in helping the Lions remain competitive in their secondary unit. However, the Lions traded Slay in exchange for a third-round and fifth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Slay signed a three-year deal with the Eagles where he won his first Super Bowl ring.
Throughout time, Slay has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, recording six Pro Bowls, an All-Pro and named a co-leader in interceptions in 2017. He’s been slowing down but these five teams could take a chance for what will be his final season in the league.
