Eagles have two options with Darius Slay: Extension or trade

The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly allowed star cornerback Darius Slay to seek out a trade in the midst of contract talks.

The Philadelphia Eagles had a phenomenal 2022 season but fell just short of winning their second Lombardi Trophy, as they lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 57.

General manager Howie Roseman has quite the task this offseason. He has 20 players set to be free agents (19 unrestricted) and he has to negotiate quarterback Jalen Hurts’ upcoming contract extension. As it turns out, there is another player that is in need of a new contract, but will the Eagles give him one?

Cornerback Darius Slay is set to enter his final year under contract. According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Eagles have allowed Slay’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to seek a trade. Russini also said that the Eagles hope they can keep Slay on the team.

The MMQB’s Albert Breer later clarified the report, saying that Slay didn’t request a trade from the team, saying that this was “part of negotiations.”

Eagles allow Darius Slay to seek trade during contract extension talks

The Eagles acquired Slay from the Detroit Lions ahead of the 2020 season in exchange for a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick that year. At the time of the trade, Slay was under contract for one more season. So, the Eagles signed the Pro Bowl cornerback to a three-year, $50.1 million contract extension.

Now, Slay is due for a new deal at the end of the 2023 season.

This past season, Slay recorded 55 combined tackles, (40 solo, 15 assisted), 14 passes defended, and three interceptions. In coverage, Slay allowed 46 receptions for 532 yards and five touchdowns on 79 targets, per Pro Football Reference.

Philadelphia is in danger of losing some key free agents in the defensive backfield. Cornerback James Bradberry and safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson are both set to become unrestricted free agents and are ranked as the best available free agents at their positions. They were both brought onto the Eagles prior to this past season, Bradberry on a free agent deal and Gardner-Johnson in a trade.

The Slay saga in Philadelphia is one worth monitoring, especially as the team looks to continue to keep their team strong on paper to make another run at a Super Bowl title.