Darius Slay spent years with the Detroit Lions before coming to Philadelphia. He was there during some tough years. From 2013 to 2019, Slay was one of the best players on the Lions but did not see much postseason success. The team only made it to the playoffs twice and lost in the wild-card round both times. Since signing with the Eagles, it has been the opposite. Philadelphia has seen huge success and he is now a Super Bowl champion. Slay could hit free agency this offseason and wants to stay where he is at. However, he revealed he would be open to a reunion with the Lions if things did not work out.
Darius Slay Open To Reunion With The Detroit Lions
Darius Slay is in the last year of his deal, and there is an out if he wants to enter free agency. Teams often want to rework deals in the backend of contracts to save cap space and maximize a Super Bowl window. If the Eagles want to try and keep the 34-year-old cornerback, it may require a reworked deal. However, if the money doesn’t work out, the Super Bowl champion said he would be open to returning to the Detroit Lions. In an appearance on the St. Brown Podcast, Amon-Ra St. Brown made his recruiting pitch and Slay left the door open.
“Whatever they wanna do. I might re-sign back hopefully. If not, we’ll see what we’re doing. Because I do want to play one more year, for sure. I love Detroit. I’ve got nothing but love. That’s my second home. … The two spots I would always love to be at is either Philly or Detroit.”
This should perk up the ears of Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions front office. The team needs help in the secondary, with Carlton Davis also being a free agent. All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph and rookie Terrion Arnold are great pieces, but they need a couple more pieces to fill out the depth chart. Furthermore, a veteran would be helpful as many of the players are young. It seems to fall on what Philadelphia wants to do. If they decide they want to move on, Detroit seems to be the clear favorite.
Other Cornerbacks On The Market
If Darius Slay decides to return to the Eagles, there are plenty of other options for the Detroit Lions in free agency. Former Jets corner DJ Reed is considered the top corner on the market after he has made it clear he does not want to return to New York. Charvarius Ward and Rasul Douglas are also free agents and would provide that veteran presence the team needs. It would also not be a bad idea to bring back Davis, as he played well for the team in 2024.
If the Lions don’t want to spend big money, there are some other solid names. Stephon Gilmore is a former Defensive Player of the Year and has stated he could be coaxed into playing another year for a shot at a Super Bowl. Holmes has also proved he can find good talent in the draft. The team could decide to skip free agency in terms of the secondary and continue to build a young group. Whatever the Detroit Lions decide, the pressure is on to get to a Super Bowl after this year ended in heartbreak.
Final Thoughts
NFL free agency begins soon, and teams have already started to create cap space. There are many quality free agents and many teams who are desperate to improve their rosters to make a run. Will Slay stay with the Eagles and defend the Super Bowl, or will he make a triumphant return to Detroit?