The NFL Championship Sunday game may be the last matchup for Darius Slay in an Eagles uniform since he could be a cut candidate. According to a Bleacher Report , sources believe Philadelphia could Slay since the team is getting younger in their cornerback unit. Slay was the subject of trade rumors this past 2024 campaign since new rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have done exceptionally well for the Eagles’ secondary. This will allow the team to save some type of money so they can continue to build a new regime in Philadelphia while Slay is aging.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former Mississippi State product became one of the most elite secondary defenders with the Detroit Lions, becoming the NFL interceptions co-leader in 2017 with eight interceptions and earning three Pro Bowl nods. However, the Lions decided to trade Slay to Philadelphia where he was a durable cornerback until more recently becoming a “wear and tear” for the Eagles. He could easily attract a heavy free-agent market after recording 160 career pass deflections and 28 interceptions overall.
While Slay could decide to retire if the Eagles win a Super Bowl, he has plenty in the tank as a 34-year-old in the league. Needy teams like the Ravens, Panthers could sign him to give him a few more years if he wants another scenery shift.
Sunday May Be Last Game for Darius Slay Since Some Project Him as a Cut Candidate – Ravens, Panthers May Pursue Him?
Helping the Baltimore Secondary
The Baltimore Ravens have a capable offense to help lead this roster to many potential championships despite losing in a nail-biter to the Bills. The team struggled in their secondary unit but found a way to find their momentum. It shouldn’t stop them from upgrading the cornerback depth since rookie Nate Wiggins is still adjusting to the league. Brandon Stephens hasn’t been the most productive and being that the AFC is more competitive than the NFC typically, a veteran insurance policy like Slay could be a special replacement for the Ravens.
If the Eagles decide to release Slay, he could earn a spot with an AFC like Baltimore to form a dangerous secondary unit with veteran Marlon Humphrey. Even though Humphrey is slowing down, they could rely on Wiggins who could provide that three-set group since the veteran is aging. Slay might not have many years left but he’s more resourceful when it comes to the postseason, unlike Stephens.
Building the Carolina Foundation
Even though the Carolina Panthers ended the season with a huge momentum shift, it’s hard to imagine this team will go anywhere anytime soon with the outlook of their offense. After finishing a 5-12 year, the team finally trusts quarterback Bryce Young despite benching him in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. Carolina spent their 2024 offseason rebuilding the offense but that didn’t do much for the environment of the Panthers. They must find another capable receiver to help rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker .
While that may happen, the team should spend most of their upcoming offseason reconstructing their defense. Jaycee Horn did what he could for the 2024 campaign but it’s hard to imagine he’ll spend another season alone as the only reliability in the secondary unit. The Panthers should be in the market for a new cornerback but perhaps if Slay becomes available, they should jump on ship and offer him the biggest contract before another team does. Adding another capable starting cornerback should be enough for the Panthers to get into at least a wild-card round.
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