Eagles’ cornerback, Darius Slay, has finally used the exit door, following his victory with the Birds at Super Bowl LIX. According to Slay’s agent, he has now signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which is worth $10 million fully guaranteed.
Darius Slay’s impact with the Eagles
His move, due to a post-June 1 designation, was only made official on Wednesday at 4 p.m., despite being informed of his release last week. With this move, the Eagles are able to save $4.3 million against the 2025 cap and $17.8 million in 2026.
The 34-year-old was acquired from Detroit in 2020 for a third and fifth-round pick in that year’s draft, and through his five-year stint at Philadelphia, Slay played in 74 regular season games and started in 73, while having 272 tackles, 9 interceptions, 2 returned for touchdowns, 56 pass breakups, and making three Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl appearances.
In Philly last season, the cornerback, alongside Quinyon Mitchell, forged one of the league’s most highly rated cornerback duos. Slay provided both leadership and production in desperate moments – a significant role in the defense that was the best in the NFL last season.
Slay’s arrival brought in some stability after a few turbulent years. His addition was a massive reinforcement in a position that had suffered some setbacks in the past and he was a key cog in what turned out to be an impressive secondary rebuild.
Despite fighting tooth and nail to get rid of injuries last season, the veteran started 14 games in the regular season and all four playoffs games.
Following a time well spent in Philly – two Super Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl victory – Darius Slay was reluctant to move away from the team, indicating his preference to stay with the Eagles and desire to play one more year after the Super Bowl win.
However, the 34-year old’s release was deemed a good move in helping the Eagles save some money in cap space and making room for younger talents in the team.
Now, the question remains if the younger talents saddled with the responsibility of ensuring Slay’s absence is unfelt are actually up to the task.
Slay wasn’t the only departure in the secondary
The first name on the list of his replacements at the time was Isaiah Rodgers – who was his replacement during his stint on the sidelines last season. But he also left in free agency to join the Vikings in a $15 million two-year deal.
Not that James Bradberry was close to starting last year, but the Eagles also bid goodbye to the former Giant ahead of free agency, further cutting into their DB depth chart.
The Eagles are left with third-year cornerback, Kelee Ringo, as the top internal replacement for Darius Slay.
The Philadelphia secondary is now in a position of need when it comes to depth. Though the focus on younger talents might yield great success, the exodus of defensive players remains a risky activity. However, we all know just how good Howie Roseman has become at finding deep value players through the draft and beyond, especially in the secondary.
Don’t panic…
From Cre’Von LeBlanc and Avonte Maddox, to Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo, Roseman has a knack for finding undervalued CB talent. You could even argue that Rasul Douglas fits that mold having built a solid NFL career following his departure from Philadelphia.
The Eagles can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they have two brilliant youngsters marauding the defense in Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, but the questions now include just how many more players will be needed to solidify the depth beneath them, and whether they once again stack the cupboard with youthful prospects, or instead seek more veterans to guide the future starters.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
