As first reported by Adam Schefter, the Philadelphia Eagles will release long-time veteran cornerback Darius Slay who now becomes a free agent. According to one source, the writing was already on the wall for the Eagles to part ways with the cornerback since the team has enough depth in the secondary unit. Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell came into the lineup last season as rookies and put phenomenal promise which made Slay expendable for the majority of the season. Slay was contemplating retirement before winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles but he has one more season in the tank and he’s open to return to Detroit.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former Itawamba and Mississippi State product made his debut with the Lions as one of the keystone defenders in the league. His versatility and ability to cover man-to-man were effective in helping the Lions remain competitive in their secondary unit. However, the Lions traded Slay in exchange for a third-round and fifth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Slay signed a three-year deal with the Eagles where he won his first Super Bowl ring.
Throughout time, Slay has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, recording six Pro Bowls, an All-Pro and named a co-leader in interceptions in 2017. He’s been slowing down but these five teams could take a chance for what will be his final season in the league.
REPORT: Eagles Release Future Hall of Famer Veteran Darius Slay – 5 Teams Who Could Sign Him For One More Run
Possible Next Teams
Baltimore Ravens
Last year, the Baltimore Ravens secondary was one of the worst but they picked up the slack near the end. However, since Brandon Stephens probably won’t return after a disastrous season, the Ravens could sign Slay as a significant upgrade. Veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey is at risk of being cut and Baltimore should consider restructuring his deal. With that, the Ravens should sign Slay to boost their chances of an AFC Championship Game.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are in the same spot but the major difference is that the team has money to burn. Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr. are free agents and they have plenty of emerging talent behind them but they’re unproven. The team will likely sign Fulton back but they should look for a veteran presence. Los Angeles missed out on making it further than the wild-card and signing Slay could boost them for a potential AFC Championship next year.
Washington Commanders
After trading for Deebo Samuel, the Washington Commanders still have money to spend. Washington saw how impactful the Eagles’ secondary could be and they were witnesses in their NFC Championship loss against them. The Commanders got help from Marshon Lattimore in a trade with the Saints but no one should expect him to return. Perhaps, the Commanders could take a swing on Slay before he retires.
Detroit Lions
This is the most likely destination for the veteran. Slay already said he’s willing to return to the Lions and with experience, he could help them win their first Super Bowl in franchise history. Last year, the Lions were torn apart in the secondary as they faced several injuries. Carlton Davis is a free agent so Slay is a viable replacement and the Lions should take a risk even if it’s for a one-year deal.
Kansas City Chiefs
As for the Chiefs, the team lost L’Jarius Sneed in a trade to the Titans. However, rising talent Trent McDuffie stepped in a big way for Sneed’s absence. The secondary was still on point but since they lost brutally against the Eagles, they could sign Slay. This might be the signing that fills them in on how to stop the Eagles’ secondary if they face them again in the Super Bowl next year.
The post REPORT: Eagles Release Future Hall of Famer Veteran – 5 Teams Who Could Sign Him For One More Run appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.