Fresh off a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, former NFC North ballhawk Darius Slay has been shown the door. ESPN reports that the Eagles are releasing the 6-time Pro Bowler after five seasons in Philly.
Despite failing to record an interception for the first time since his rookie season, he 12-year pro gave the Eagles another solid campaign in 2024-25, earning a PFF grade ranked 69th among 223 eligible cornerbacks. In the Wild Card Round versus the Packers, he picked off Jordan Love on the first play of the second quarter.
Although Slay is no longer elite, he is still a plus player who can boast a big name and veteran leadership. Knowing the team needs help in the secondary, fans of his old team are petitioning for a reunion.
Darius Slay Helped the Philadelphia Eagles Win a Super Bowl But Made His Name Terrorizing the NFC North
Before signing with the Eagles in 2020, Slay spent 7 seasons in Detroit, where he was drafted in the second round of Mississippi State in 2013. Of his 28 career interceptions, he amassed 19 in Honolulu blue, including a league-best 8 in 2017.
Other than his rookie season, he snagged at least two passes every year in Detroit and covered opponents’ top receivers, earning him the moniker Big Play Slay.
But the Eagles struck gold in last year’s draft with cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, Patrick-Mahomes-pick-sixer in the Super Bowl. The rookies received PFF grades of 33rd and 4th, respectively, last season.
With two young studs covering the sidelines, Philly no longer needs Slay to stabilize the secondary. Releasing him now qualifies as pre-June 1 cut and saves the team $4.3 million in cap space.
Maybe the Eagles don’t want him, but Lions fans would love to see no.2 in blue and silver once again.
Lions Fans Call for Big Play Slay’s Return
Detroiters could hardly contain themselves when the news broke on social media.
Welcome back to Detroit pic.twitter.com/Gng2I4Gfvj
— THE RED RANGER (@THEREDRANGER3) March 3, 2025
COME HOME. pic.twitter.com/yK0oyAOjEn
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) March 3, 2025
Come home @bigplay24slay pic.twitter.com/qVpzgloFBl
— J (@JayTC53) March 3, 2025
At 34 years old, Slay has his best years behind him and would not make a good long-term investment. But on a one-year deal, he could make sense for a thin Detroit secondary forced to rely on rookie Terrion Arnold to make big-time plays. Although the first rounder improved throughout the season, he is not on par with the likes of Mitchell or DeJean.
And while veterans Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson provided quality cornerback reps, the Lions’ depth chart at the position leaves them vulnerable to injury–a bugaboo all too familiar after least season’s health woes.
Obviously, you don’t sign Darius Slay merely as injury insurance, but it is hard to imagine he would not compete with those guys for snaps. In particular, he would ease the pressure on Arnold, who could recede to a reserve role for the time being. Slay may not be the best option available, but a return to Detroit isn’t out of the question. Given his history there, fans’ excitement is understandable.
Darius Slay is SUCH a Detroit Lion
— Last Take™ (@TheRealLastTake) March 3, 2025
Come to Detroit and let’s get that CHIP baby!
— Mach1ne (@m_a_c_h_1_n_e) March 3, 2025
Other fan bases, including a stray Packer, also expressed interest in signing Slay.
— 👑Red Dirt Duke👑 (@Duke_Lucas_) March 3, 2025
Viking
— ANTifreeze (@ANTifreezeyo) March 3, 2025
Green bay get him
— Bullish Ventures (@bull_invests) March 3, 2025
In theory, Slay could replace the outgoing Jaire Alexander in Green Bay, but in all honesty, a return to Detroit would be the more cinematic, satisfying, and practical next stop in the final lap of a magnificent career. Despite his age, free agency should bring more than a few suitors.
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