‘Elite’ Eagles free agent opens up about future: ‘Not trying to just go out here and play for the cash’

Eagles cornerback Darius Slay played five seasons in Philadelphia, earning three Pro Bowl selections and helping the Eagles win a Super Bowl. However, he is preparing to enter free agency after reports surfaced stating he would be released.

Days after being released, Slay spoke on his “Big Play Slay” podcast, discussing the reason for his release while also stating the door is not closed on him returning next season and thanking. Slay said he was preparing to be released during the season because of his expected salary for next year.

“I’m not hurt about it, and I’m not sad about it,” Slay said. “This is what I signed up for. I knew I gave that team and the organization everything I had. There’s always a possibility of your boy coming back. I’m just thankful enough that I could get ahead of free agency and find a good destination for myself.”

Last season, Slay finished the regular season with 13 passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He later added an interception, and a team-high five passes defended in the playoffs, helping the Eagles win their second Super Bowl.

Slay’s release was not the first time it seemed he would not be returning. After the 2022 season, which ended with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, Slay was released and nearly signed with the Baltimore Ravens before agreeing to a new extension with the Eagles. Now, he is not ruling out the possibility of a similar situation unfolding, saying he has told the Eagles he is very open to returning for his final season in the league.

“I know I’m way out of my prime, but I’m still playing at an elite level,” Slay said. “Me and (general manager) Howie (Roseman) had a great talk, and he said the same. It’s not that I can’t play—it’s just part of the business. He said we’ll see how things shake out, and we will. So possibly, he might spin the block back just like he did last time, and two years later, we are Super Bowl champs.”

Slay said he would also be open to playing for the Detroit Lions, the team that selected him in the second round of the 2013 draft. He alluded to former Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, who returned to the New Orleans Saints, the team where he started his career after leaving Philadelphia, to finish out his career.

Slay also mentioned that he would be interested in playing for a team with a good head coach, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, because of head coach Mike Tomlin, stating Tomlin could “help grow him as a player.” Meanwhile, some family members in Georgia are pushing for him to play for either the Atlanta Falcons or Jacksonville Jaguars, as both teams would allow him to play closer to his hometown of Brunswick, Georgia.

He also outlined the factors he will consider before signing with a team other than the Eagles or Lions.

“I do want a team that I can help grow, definitely in the secondary,” Slay said. “I want to help mentor some of these guys in the secondary or anybody that needs to be mentored on that team. I think I’m a great leader, but I for sure want to be on a contender. I’m not trying to just go out here and play for the cash. I’ve got plenty of cash, but I do want to be taken care of in a way with cash—that’s a part of the game. But I want to be in a winning situation, too.”

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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.