Who won the Darius Slay trade?
The Philadelphia Eagles missed on the top free agent cornerbacks, but a trade for Darius Slay still fills their need at the position.
The Philadelphia Eagles were among the rumored suitors for Byron Jones and Chris Harris, only to see both land elsewhere in free agency. But a move to the trade market for a top cornerback has yielded fruit, with multiple reports they have acquired Darius Slay from the Detroit Lions for a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft.
Slay made his desire to be one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league clear, and it was also clear the Lions weren’t going to pony up. A trade felt inevitable, and now it’s done.
According to multiple reports, the Eagles will sign Slay to a three-year, $50 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. That $16.67 million average edges out the $16.5 million average Jones got in his deal with the Miami Dolphins.
Slay often shadows the opponent’s No. 1 wide receiver all over the field, outside as well as in the slot.
Darius Slay shadow coverage in 2019 (PFF, full-game stat lines)
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 19, 2020
Keenan Allen: 8-98-0
Amari Cooper: 3-38-0
Terry McLaurin: 5-72-0
Allen Robinson: 8-86-1
Stefon Diggs: 6-92-0
Courtland Sutton: 5-41-0
Davante Adams: 7-93-1
Marquez Valdes-Scantling: 2-48-0
Zay Jones: 3-21-0
The primary takeaway from the above data (which is not that impressive overall) is how Slay did against Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper, who he’ll now go up against twice a season. Slay also had a lingering hamstring issue that cost him two games.
If Darius Slay is traded to the Eagles...
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 19, 2020
he’s done OUTSTANDING vs Amari Cooper.
Cooper vs PHI (5 gms, 44 targets):
• 4 TDs
• 11.1 YPA
• 98 yds/gm
• 64% catch rate
Cooper vs DET (2 gms, 12 targets):
• 0 TDs
• 3.5 YPA
• 21 yds/gm
• 33% catch rate
From 2019 meeting 🎥 pic.twitter.com/1a6Z6MSfkQ
Amari Cooper v. Darius Slay in his career:
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) March 19, 2020
- 12 targets
- 4 catches
- 42 yards
- 0TDs pic.twitter.com/G20YYNp63U
New Eagles CB Darius Slay is one of just two corners named to the last three Pro Bowls. He has 82 pass breakups since 2015, more than any other player in the NFL. He's a standout man-to-man coverage player.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 19, 2020
Philly lands the impact corner it has long coveted.
Next. 4 teams who could sign Devonta Freeman. dark
If Slay can neutralize Cooper as he has previously, that alone will make him worth the investment the Eagles have made over the next three years. Two draft picks that are coin-flip propositions in terms of becoming difference makers to get a much-needed legit No. 1 corner is a worthy cost. Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman is not afraid to be aggressive when it’s warranted. He has struck again with a deal to get Slay, and Philadelphia’s biggest need has been addressed.