Eagles Release Veteran Cornerback Darius Slay After Super Bowl Victory

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia Eagles are parting ways with six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay, according to multiple reports. The decision comes just weeks after the Eagles celebrated their victory in Super Bowl LIX.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on March 3, 2025, that the Eagles will release the veteran player, which could save the team $4.3 million against the salary cap if designated as a post-June 1 release. This decision signifies a shift in strategy for the franchise as they aim to manage their roster moving forward.

Slay, who is 34, spent the last five seasons with the Eagles after a successful seven-year tenure with the Detroit Lions. In his final season in Philadelphia, he appeared in 14 games, recording 49 tackles, including 39 solo, along with a fumble recovery. Notably, the 2024 season marked the first time in Slay’s career, aside from his rookie year, that he did not record an interception.

In the context of his release, Slay acknowledged the pressures of NFL roster decisions, stating, “This type of decision is always tougher because you care about the team and the game. But I know how the business works.” He expressed a desire to continue his career in Philadelphia or potentially return to the Lions, his original team, which might be a suitable option for him.

Franchises often weigh both performance and financial implications when making roster changes, and the Eagles clearly opted to prioritize their cap space in this instance. Slay’s impressive career statistics, with 619 tackles and 28 interceptions over 177 games, demonstrate his impact on the field. His leadership and experience are likely to be assets for whichever team he joins next.

As the Eagles move forward without Slay, it remains to be seen how they will adjust their defensive strategy and whether they will seek to fill the cornerback position through the draft or free agency.