Unexpected NFL twist: Eagles cut Darius Slay, surprising everyone
The Philadelphia Eagles released cornerback Darius Slay, who had one year left on his contract after winning the Super Bowl last month.
Just a month after the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX, they are making roster moves to save some money. One big move may come as a surprise to some, as the team released veteran cornerback Darius Slay.
Eagles are releasing six-time Pro-Bowl CB Darius Slay, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2025
If he is designated a post-June 1 release, the Eagles will save $4.3 million against the cap. pic.twitter.com/tUq4ScIK79
Why the Eagles released Slay
Slay played for the Eagles for five seasons, taking them to two Super Bowl berths and one title this year, and three Pro Bowl nods for himself. This past season was one of Slay’s best yet, with opposing quarterbacks who targeted him completing just 47.1% of their passes. He had 13 pass breakups and allowed just two touchdowns. In the postseason, he allowed a 70.1% passer rating and an interception with four pass breakups. He had career-bests in completion rate (47.1%), yards allowed (371), yards per attempt (5.5), 20+ yard completions (3), first downs allowed (15), and pass-breakup rate (19.1%).
From saving Eagles from CB hell
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) March 3, 2025
Rising to become a team captain
Making 3 pro bowls, 2 super bowls
Mentoring the next generation in Q, Coop, Ringo
Becoming a world champion
Darius Slay has been one of the best CBs in franchise history for sure 💚#Eagles pic.twitter.com/PFNUC75Nuj
So, it was a bit of a shock that the Eagles would choose to release Slay now, especially since he still had one season left in his contract. But they needed to save some money against the salary cap, and that they did. With the release of the almost 35-year-old, the Eagles are saving $4.3 million against the 2025 salary cap and $17.8 million for 2026.
Slay recently said that he hoped to stay one more season in Philadelphia, but that he knew it might not be possible due to the salary cap. It’s still possible that the Eagles could choose to re-sign Slay, but if they don’t, Slay has said he would like to join the Detroit Lions, where he played his first seven seasons. The Lions probably wouldn’t mind some help in their secondary either as they gave up the third-most passing yards per game in the league last season (244).
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