Eagles Releasing 6-Time Pro Bowl Corner Darius Slay to Create Cap Space: Report

The Philadelphia Eagles are making significant offseason moves, even after their victorious Super Bowl LIX run. But brace yourselves, Eagles fans—these changes aren't about adding to the roster just yet.

The team is releasing veteran cornerback Darius Slay after five seasons, a tough call for a player who boasts six Pro Bowl selections. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Slay will be a post-June 1 cut, which frees up $4.3 million in cap space for the Eagles to make other moves. In the high-stakes world of NFL roster management, it seems even legends can find themselves on the chopping block.

General Manager Howie Roseman has built a reputation for making bold moves, and this is no exception. With just over $20 million in cap space heading into March and key players like linebacker Zach Baun, defensive end Josh Sweat, and offensive guard Mekhi Becton hitting free agency, the Eagles need financial flexibility. And let’s not forget, the draft class always comes with a hefty price tag.

"As the cap gets tighter, as all our expensive players start becoming expensive, you have to go with young players," Roseman explained last month. Translation: tough decisions are part of the job, even when it involves cutting a defensive cornerstone.

At 34 years old, Slay may be on the tail end of his career, but his contributions to the Eagles’ top-ranked pass defense last season were nothing short of impressive. In 14 games, he logged 13 passes defended, 49 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Still, with rookie corners Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean stepping up and delivering a Lombardi Trophy, the Eagles appear confident in their younger talent.

Slay’s leadership as a defensive captain will be missed in the locker room, but his journey isn’t over yet. According to CBS Sports, Slay intends to play at least one more year, likely with a contender aiming for a Super Bowl ring. One potential destination? The Detroit Lions, where Slay began his NFL career. The Lions are in desperate need of cornerback help and are expected to explore all options this offseason, including free agency.

During his seven seasons with the Lions, Slay made 347 tackles and defended 104 passes. He earned three consecutive Pro Bowl nods from 2017-2019 and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2017, a year when he led the league with eight interceptions and 26 passes defended. A reunion with Detroit could be a fitting next chapter.

For now, the Eagles will press forward with their younger stars, while Slay looks for his next opportunity. Wherever he lands, one thing is clear: he’s not done making an impact on the field.