Is Myles Garrett to the Eagles actually happening? Well, it could be, considering the Eagles are releasing six-time Pro Bowler CB Darius Slay after 5 hugely successful seasons. Since Slay was acquired via a trade from the Lions, he has gone on to make three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2021 to 2023. Like in his 5-year stay with the Eagles, the Phillies only missed the playoffs once. And now, with his chapter in Philadelphia coming to an end. Slay could go back where it all began. Moments after his release was confirmed from the Eagles, an old clip of Slay talking about the Lions is now making waves on the internet.
Last month, Slay was on the podcast of the St. Brown brothers where he played with the idea of returning to Detroit. “I love Detroit. I got nothing, but love, that’s my second home, I do a lot for the city still, to this day. For sure, the two spots I would love to always be at is Philly or Detroit. The main two, the main ones I’d love to be at.” See Slay in his 11-year stay in the league has only played for two teams, the Lions and the Eagles. So, naturally, he wants to go back to the place where his career started. And considering the Eagles had just cut Slay, Philadelphia could soon turn into his second home, not Detroit.
Darius Slay chatted about wanting to play one more year with the St. Brown brothers..
He’s got A LOT of love for Detroit #PMSLive https://t.co/Suz74qQJ8b pic.twitter.com/UMeyJ7B0ga
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 3, 2025
Slay was an absolute beast when he used to play for the OnePride Nation. His best season came in 2017 when he led the league with 8 interceptions and 26 passes defended. But those were the years when Slay was still in his early twenties. Now in his mid-thirties, will Slay be a good option for the Lions? Well, judging by his numbers last season, Darius Slay still has a lot to offer. Like his last season with the Eagles was actually his best, playing fewer games.
The 34-year-old only allowed 5.4 yards per target, 42.4% pass completion, and broke up 15 passes while playing just 14 games. So, clearly, Slay still has enough fuel left in his tank to offer Detroit. And it’s not like the Lions could do any worse by throwing a homecoming for Slay. Carlton Davis will soon be a free agent. Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw will be playing only their second season in the NFL. With that thought in mind, Slay could easily play the role of a mentor to the young Lions secondary.
Still, his exit from Philadelphia does raise a few eyebrows. Actually, the most surprised one was Rams head coach Sean McVay.
Sean McVay flabbergasted with Eagles’ decision to cut Darius Slay
McVay was just casually chilling on the show of Pat McAfee when the Eagles suddenly announced their decision to move on from Slay. And hearing the breaking news, McAfee was quick to announce it to McVay. However, the Rams HC was speechless, he didn’t say a single word. Yes, that was his reaction. McVay’s face said it all—how shocked he was hearing about Slay’s exit from Philly. Yes, Slay’s release does open up $4.32M cap space for the Eagles.
However, he did leave a gaping hole in the Eagles secondary. Two of his mentees, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both were finalists for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. So, with Slay moving on, you could expect both of them to come out of his shadow and take a larger role next season.
Image credits: Social media, taken from Instagram @Myles Garrett
Now, the Eagles also have a veteran CB James Bradberry. However, not much is expected from him considering he tore his Achilles and missed the whole of last season. The one name you could start hearing more from now on could be Myles Garrett. Yes, it still seems impossible to happen. But in the NFL never say never. Until the very last second anything could happen. And the Eagles have shown they have the Championship winning mentality and a roster to go with. As for Garrett—he is also looking to win now. So, this could be a match made in heaven thanks to a sacrifice made by Darius Slay.
The post Ousted Darius Slay’s Clear Message to Dan Campbell’s Lions as Sean McVay Caught Off guard With Eagles’ $4.3M Decision appeared first on EssentiallySports.
