The Philadelphia Eagles are releasing beginning cornerback Darius Slay with a post-June 1 designation, in accordance with a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter.

This information hardly comes as a significant shock. There was thought that the Eagles might transfer on from the 34-year-old defender, who was set to enter the ultimate 12 months of his contract in 2025 with a $13.7 million cap quantity. With Slay’s launch, the Eagles will notice $4.3 million in cap house cleared after June 1.

Simply because the Eagles are making this transfer doesn’t imply Slay DEFINITELY received’t be again in Philly subsequent season. The Eagles have been reportedly set to designate Slay as a post-June 1 launch in March 2023 earlier than he ended up remaining in Philly on a brand new contract. The Eagles additionally formally launched Fletcher Cox as a post-June 1 designation up to now earlier than shortly re-signing him. John Clark reviews it’s potential Slay “might come again with the Eagles at a decrease quantity.”

But it surely’s additionally fairly potential that is really the top of the street for Slay in Philly this time round. The Eagles have a duo of very promising younger cornerbacks in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Kelee Ringo has proven potential and may very well be prepared for a much bigger function. It’s additionally potential the Eagles might re-sign Isaiah Rodgers, who will likely be a free agent.

Slay is a group captain and he performed nicely in 2024 however cornerback is a place the place gamers usually don’t are inclined to age nicely (see: James Bradberry falling off a cliff after 2022). The Eagles have restricted assets to work with they usually may very well be finest served to maneuver ahead with their youthful and cheaper choices.

If Slay doesn’t return to the Eagles, the Detroit Lions are the group to observe for his subsequent touchdown spot. He lately expressed curiosity in returning to the membership that initially drafted him in 2013.

The Eagles acquired Slay in a commerce with the Lions again in 2020. Though he struggled throughout his first season in Philly, he rebounded with three Professional Bowl honors over the following 4 years. To not point out serving as a key contributor to the Eagles’ Tremendous Bowl LIX victory season.

Whether or not he’s performed his final snap as an Eagle or not, Slay will likely be remembered fondly in Philly.