Philadelphia Eagles fans received shocking news Monday afternoon. NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting that the Eagles are expected to cut veteran cornerback Darius Slay, with a post-June 1 release, netting the franchise $4.3 million in extra salary cap space.
Slay, 34, has been with the Eagles since he was acquired from the Detroit Lions before the 2020 NFL Draft. Even though the six-time Pro Bowler's performance has been declining, he was still an important part of Philadelphia's defense, as he started in all 18 of his appearances between the 2024 regular seasons and playoffs.
With that in mind, Eagles fans might want to hold on to their goodbyes for just a little while longer.
Eagles Reportedly Leaving Door Open for Darius Slay Return
Shortly after Slay's eventual release was announced, NBC Sports Philadelphia's John Clark reported that the Eagles could still re-sign the veteran defender this offseason.
"I'm told it's possible that Darius Slay, after being released, could still come back with the Eagles at a lower number," Clark wrote, adding that a source deemed a reunion as being "always possible."
I’m told it’s possible that Darius Slay, after being released, could still come back with the Eagles at a lower number
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 3, 2025
“Always possible” pic.twitter.com/ZPEcV30wJy
From Clark's update, it sounds like the Eagles are leaving the door open for Slay to return if he can't find work elsewhere.
The former Mississippi State product likely won't have issues garnering offseason attention. Slay will be one of the most experienced cornerbacks on the open market, having played 188 games between the regular season and playoffs while racking up multiple Pro Bowl appearances and a first-team All-Pro nod since 2013.
Having said that, Slay is coming off a 2024 performance that saw him fail to receive a Pro Bowl nod for the first time since 2020. He tallied 39 solo tackles, 13 defended passes, and a forced fumble in 14 regular-season games before recording 12 more tackles, five broken-up passes, and an interception in four playoff appearances.
By the time the Super Bowl was won, Slay finished with solid Pro Football Focus grades in terms of tackling (70.7), coverage (75.5), and overall defense (73.3). Although it was far from his best performance, his effort showed that he can still be a solid CB2/3 with the right team.
The Eagles and Detroit Lions are the only NFL teams that Slay has known, leaving time to tell where his career will take him. His first opportunity to find a new home will come when the free agency tampering window opens on Monday, March 10.