The Philadelphia Eagles have had an amazing season. Going from 2-2 and chatter about whether will they fire Nick Sirianni. Plus, the relentless media onslaught against Jalen Hurts. All the noise was drowned out and the Eagles went on to win 12 of 13 games after their bye week. Thanks to a historic season of rushing from Saquon Barkley. And an elite defensive performance.
And now they have avenged a loss two years ago to the Kansas City Chiefs to become Super Bowl 59 Champions.
Ahead of the Eagles NFC Conference Championship matchup against the Washington Commanders, the future of one defensive veteran came into doubt. Darius Slay made a comment noting that he felt with a strong degree of certainty that the Conference Championship game would likely be his last game at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Eagles have set themselves up nicely for the future in their cornerback room. However, a number of decisions loom between free agents, potential cap casualties, and if the time might have arrived for the next man up.
1. Darius Slay Contract Situation
Darius Slay has one year left on his contract. The kicker, no guaranteed money left. Slay will definitely be looking to secure some final guaranteed money as he enters his age-34 season. He isn't playing at the elite level that he had been the three years prior as a Pro Bowler. Not to mention, he played the lowest number of snaps since his rookie season, 699 in 2024.
He can still be a key, contributing veteran on a contending team. Not to mention, an invaluable leader and mentor for younger corners and defensive back room. Eagles fans can attest to this in his importance to Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean's rapid acclimation in their rookie seasons.
The Eagles would owe him a $16.1 million option as of September 1. Definitely not a contract the Eagles will be looking to take on. They have a number of other key free agents to try and pay, with currently only $18.081 million in available cap space for this off-season. A post-June 1 trade or release of Slay would open up $4.324 million in cap savings in 2025 and $13.46 million in 2026.