Why the Eagles might choose to re-sign Darius Slay
Did the Philadelphia Eagles release cornerback Darius Slay just to bring him back again? It could happen, and here’s why.
The Philadelphia Eagles made a somewhat shocking move when they released veteran cornerback Darius Slay on Monday. It’s shocking because Slay still had a year left on his contract and was hot off one of his best seasons yet after the Eagles' Super Bowl victory last month. It’s less shocking when you realize they’ve saved millions against the 2025 and 2026 salary caps.
Breaking: The Eagles are releasing six-time Pro-Bowl CB Darius Slay, sources told @AdamSchefter.
— ESPN (@espn) March 3, 2025
He will be designated as a post-June 1 release, the Eagles will save $4.3 million against the cap. pic.twitter.com/jYH1DR4kHi
Then again, there’s a possibility that Slay could still return to play for the Eagles in 2025, even after they released him.
Why Slay could return to play for the Eagles
Although the Eagles released Slay, the possibility that he could return to the team has not been ruled out.
I’m told it’s possible that Darius Slay, after being released, could still come back with the Eagles at a lower number
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 3, 2025
“Always possible” pic.twitter.com/ZPEcV30wJy
By releasing Slay, the Eagles are saving $4.3 million against the 2025 salary cap and $17.8 million for 2026. This frees them up to sign free agents or re-sign other veterans. However, once that cap room has been created, the Eagles could choose to re-sign Slay to a lower contract.
Darius Slay had 1 year, $16M remaining on his contract, including a $14.6M option bonus.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 3, 2025
Had the #Eagles exercised the bonus (and kept him in 2025), that would have meant $25M of voidable dead cap for Philly to deal with in 2026.
Slay has said he wanted to play out his last year in Philadelphia, so if they choose to re-sign him, he could get what he wants while the Eagles also get what they want (more cap flexibility).
Slay played for five seasons in Philly, which included three Pro Bowl nods, nine interceptions, 56 passes defended, two Super Bowl berths, and their Super Bowl championship this year. Although injuries slowed him down a bit this past season, he still had an impressive postseason run with five passes defended and an interception.
slay has given us some great moments but by far my favorite will always be his performance against justin jefferson on mnf pic.twitter.com/U8UPFdYxt0
— ruby (@rubythevalley) March 3, 2025
In the offseason last year, however, Philly added cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who both emerged as stars on the Eagles secondary. With that, it seems unlikely the Eagles would re-sign Slay for the 2025 season, but as NBCS' John Clark reported, “it’s always possible”.
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