The Philadelphia Eagles have released veteran cornerback Darius Slay just before the 2025 Free Agency period opens on March 10th. After five seasons with the team, the 34-year-old cornerback’s time in Philadelphia has come to an end.
Slay’s Eagles Career
- Acquired via trade with Detroit Lions in 2020
- Signed to immediate three-year extension following trade
- Made three consecutive Pro Bowls (2021-2023)
- Received contract renegotiation and extension in 2023
Financial Impact
- Releasing Slay clears $4.3 million in cap space with June 1st designation
- Creates immediate flexibility for upcoming free agency period
Questions About the Decision
- Is his heart no longer in Philly?
- Maybe it’s because it’s hard to post your stats on Instagram?
- What player right before the second most important game in the NFL season says, “Hey, just in case we lose, I want to play one more year, but it won’t be in Philly.”
Slay’s Recent Performance
- Coming off one of his best seasons at age 34
- Allowed only 42.4% completion rating
- Limited receivers to 5.4 yards per target
- Recorded 15 pass breakups – his best mark as an Eagle
Cornerback Situation Moving Forward
- Isaiah Rodgers stepped up when Slay went out on injuries, which was frequent near the end of the season
- Unfortunately, Rodgers is an UFA in 2025 after signing just a one-year deal worth around $1 million
- What about Kelee Ringo?
- Does it make sense to move Cooper Dejean from Nickel to outside?
What’s Next
- Looks like Howie Roseman has some work to do and locking out Rodgers
- Don’t get me wrong, Darius “Big Play” Slay has been valuable to the Eagles over the years
Slay, originally drafted by the Lions in 2013, completes his 12th NFL season as he enters free agency.