The Philadelphia Eagles have shifted their attention over to the 2025 season after securing Super Bowl 59. They have a stacked team but there are still key playmakers who will hit the free agent market this offseason.
Darius Slay is entering the final year of his deal and his future with the Eagles has been questioned for some time now. Despite being signed through the 2025 season, Slay said he's open to returning to the Detroit Lions when appearing on the "St. Brown Podcast" hosted by Amon-Ra and Equanimeous.
During that episode, Slay said, "For sure the two spots I would love to always be at is Philly or Detroit."
"For sure the two spots I would love to always be at is Philly or Detroit."
— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) February 19, 2025
Eagles CB Darius Slay makes it clear he still wants to play at least one more year and, if it isn't with the Eagles, he isn't ruling out a return to Detroit. pic.twitter.com/k3GtTtqCOH
Darius Slay Open to Heading to Lions
The Eagles may opt to move on from the corner in favor of saving several million this offseason by designating him as a post-June 1 cut. Slay also has a non-guaranteed $16.1 million roster option that's due when the campaign begins in September, which adds to reasons he may be released before then.
Whether they decide to move on from their CB1 remains to be seen. In 14 games this season, Slay finished with 49 total tackles and 13 pass deflections. According to PFF, he had a 67.6 overall grade and a 68.9 coverage grade. He also had a 78.3 passer rating allowed in coverage.
Over the past five seasons, Slay has been a consistent playmaker in the secondary for the Eagles but it isn't a surprise he's open to heading back to Detroit. That's the city that brought him into the league so the emotional tie will always be there.
Detroit selected Slay with the 36th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and played seven seasons with them. From 2013-2019, he racked up 296 solo tackles, 104 pass breakups, 19 interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.
The Lions have Carlton Davis hitting free agency and could have a void in the secondary. If Slay does hit the open market, there's certainly a pathway for him heading back to the Lions.