Eagles Part Ways with Darius Slay: What This Means for the Team and Fans

Darius Slay is leaving the Eagles. The Pro Bowl cornerback will be released, as reported by Adam Schefter. This decision isn’t shocking. Slay is looking for one more year in the NFL and will be free to sign with a new team.

The Eagles will save $4.32 million in salary cap space by releasing him, but they’ll have a dead cap hit of $9.44 million that spans two years. Since there were no guarantees left on his contract for 2025, this move prevents the Eagles from paying a $5 million option bonus due on September 1.

Slay spent seven years with the Lions before joining the Eagles in 2020. During his time in Philadelphia, he became a cornerstone of their defense, earning three Pro Bowl selections and helping the team reach two Super Bowls, including a championship win.

In 2023, there were hints that Slay might depart, but he stayed for an additional season. Over his first four years with the Eagles, he consistently recorded interceptions, but he didn’t have any picks in the 2024 regular season. Despite this, he played a vital role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. However, the drafting of cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean indicated a shift towards a younger secondary.

Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz mentioned that a reunion with the Eagles at a lower salary could be possible, but the team is focused on younger talent. Mitchell, DeJean, and Kelee Ringo are all on rookie contracts, and pending free agent Isaiah Rodgers might also be a priority for Philadelphia at a lower cost.

At 34, Slay still has a lot to offer. Many teams will be interested in a starting-caliber corner like him. While he expressed a desire to finish his career with the Eagles, he also mentioned a return to the Lions could be appealing, especially if they lose free agent Carlton Davis. Slay’s future is open, and it will be intriguing to see where he lands for what may be his final season in the NFL.