Darius Slay is still an Eagle after negotiating a two-year contract extension after it was initially assumed that he’d be released or traded.
An All-Pro and Pro Bowl talent, Slay is the pulse of Philadelphia’s secondary and a highly respected player.
That respect is evident in Jeremy Fowler’s annual cornerback rankings for ESPN, where NFL executives, coaches, and players placed Slay firmly in the top 5.
5. Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 32 | Last year’s ranking: Honorable mentionSlay returns to the top five for the first time since 2020 after a banner year for Philadelphia.
He embodied the Eagles’ tough attitude on defense with three interceptions and an 18.7% ball-hawk rate.
“I think he was better because he was allowed to match wide receivers on both sides of the field and truly fulfilled those No. 1 corner duties,” an NFL pro scouting lieutenant said.
Slay has broken up 133 passes over the past 10 seasons, more than any player in that span.
“He’s always the forgotten guy in that top group of corners, but he’s been a benchmark, honestly,” an AFC personnel evaluator said. “His game has held up really well. Can still really run, physical, wants the big matchup, always consistent.”
The perception was that Big Play Slay slowed down as the season progressed, but he’s still dominant among the NFL’s elite.
Slay allowed 54.7% of passes thrown into his coverage to be caught during the regular season and let up fewer than 25 yards in his three playoff games.
