In a perfect world, the Eagles would cut Darius Slay with a post-June 1st designation and then re-sign the Pro Bowl cornerback on a one-year deal for his final NFL season. However, the NFL world is not perfect, and coming off a Super Bowl-winning season that saw Slay perform at a high level, there could be a potential playoff contender looking to add a final missing piece to the lineup.
Derrick Gunn is always dialed in on the Eagles, and while Howie Roseman would like Slay to return, a massive offer from a myriad of teams could make that unlikely.
According to what I’m being told don’t completely rule out Slay returning to the eagles… right now his asking price is a little steep … but the eagles are hoping he plays his final NFL season in 2025 in eagles green.
— Derrick Gunn (@RealDGunn) March 4, 2025
The Eagles currently have a little over $20 million in cap space. Several key players, including linebacker Zack Baun, defensive linemen Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, and guard Mekhi Becton, are set to hit free agency next week. The apparent plan would be to retain Baun and Williams while being able to double back and have Slay return at a discount rate.
Teams like Washington, New England, Detroit, and the Falcons could make Slay a massive $12 million to $15 million per year offer, which would put the cornerback in position to turn down a $7 million or $8 million payday from Philadelphia.
Slay, 34, played the past five seasons in Philadelphia and put together one of the better runs at cornerback in Eagles history. He was a multiple-time captain and is credited with helping shepherd the young defensive backs, including Mitchell. Last season, he appeared in 14 games and had 13 passes defended, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 49 tackles.
Slay has been named to six Pro Bowls — three with the Lions and three during his time in Philadelphia. He was a first-team All-Pro with the Lions in 2017 when he led the NFL with eight interceptions and 26 passes defended.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Darius Slay’s return to the Eagles hinges on payday from potential free-agent suitors
