Report: Eagles releasing Darius Slay
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to release five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay, a source told Jeff Howe of The Athletic.
Slay seemingly confirmed the move Wednesday on Twitter.
Nothing but love Philly!! Lets see where we heading next..
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 15, 2023
The 32-year-old was entering the final year of his contract in Philadelphia and had a base salary of $17 million in 2023. The two sides weren't able to agree on a restructured contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Philly will designate Slay as a post-June 1 release, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The club saves $17.5 million in cap space with the move.
Philadelphia reportedly granted Slay's agent permission to seek a trade last week. Slay said he wanted to finish his career with the Eagles but understood if Philly had to part ways with him.
Slay spent the last three seasons with Philadelphia and has earned two straight Pro Bowl nods. The 2013 second-round pick helped the Eagles build one of the league's top secondaries alongside corner James Bradberry en route to reaching the Super Bowl last season. Slay finished 2022 with 55 tackles, three interceptions, and 14 pass breakups in 17 games.
The Mississippi State product played his first seven NFL seasons for the Detroit Lions.
The Eagles reportedly re-signed Bradberry to a three-year, $38-million contract on Tuesday. However, Slay isn't the only key defender leaving Philadelphia this offseason.
Of the Eagles' 11 defensive starters in the Super Bowl, 4 are already not returning in 2023:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2023
CB Darius Slay
DT Javon Hargrave
LB T.J. Edwards
S Marcus Epps
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DT Fletcher Cox and DT Linval Joseph remain free agents as of now.