The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with veteran cornerback Darius Slay after five seasons. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the Eagles are releasing Slay, confirming earlier speculation that he was a potential cut candidate. The move will provide financial relief for the team, as designating Slay as a post-June 1 cut would save the Eagles $4.3 million in cap space for the 2025 season, though they must carry his $13.8 million cap figure until June.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Slay was instrumental in the Eagles’ success over the past five seasons, playing a key role in two Super Bowl appearances and helping the team secure one championship. During his tenure in Philadelphia, he recorded nine interceptions, 56 passes defended, and 272 tackles. However, with young cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean emerging as promising talents, the Eagles saw an opportunity to move on from Slay and invest in their future.
Darius Slay (NFL)Slay’s Retirement Plans and Eagles’ Efforts to Navigate Cap Challenges
At 34 years old, Slay has expressed his intention to play one more season before retiring. He had hoped to remain with the Eagles, even if it meant restructuring his contract, but the team’s financial constraints made that difficult. If he cannot stay in Philadelphia, Slay has indicated that his preferred destination would be a return to the Detroit Lions, where he spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career.
The Eagles are facing significant cap challenges, with several key defensive players, including Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Zack Baun, heading toward free agency. To retain some of these key contributors, general manager Howie Roseman must create additional cap space. Slay’s release marks the first major move in Philadelphia’s efforts to manage their roster and salary cap effectively heading into the 2025 season.
