Despite recent reports of a potential exit from the Eagles, star cornerback Darius Slay reportedly will remain with the team after agreeing to terms on a contract extension.
Philadelphia retained Slay, 32, on Thursday by agreeing to sign him to two-year, $42 million contract, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The deal also reportedly will include $23 million in guaranteed money.
Thursday’s news comes less than 24 hours after Slay seemingly confirmed his return to the team on social media amid reports that he likely wouldn’t be on the roster next season. On Wednesday, it was reported Philadelphia planned to cut Slay, who received permission from the team March 10 to seek a trade, after the two sides were unable to find a resolution in their continued discussions on an extension.
Hours after sharing a goodbye message to the team and city on Twitter, Slay and his wife, Jennifer, strongly indicated Wednesday night that the five-time Pro Bowler would, in fact, be staying with the team. At the time, no deal had been reported, though ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the 10-year pro was “expected to stay” in Philadelphia after the two sides generated momentum on a new pact.
With his return to the Eagles now official, Slay again will look to lead one of the NFL’s best secondaries as the team aims to defend its NFC championship. Slay finished the ’22 season with three interceptions, 53 tackles and 14 passes defensed en route to earning his second Pro Bowl nod in three seasons with the club.
Prior to re-signing, Slay made it clear he wanted to finish his career with the Eagles but understood the nature of the business may not have allowed him to do so. During last week’s episode of his podcast, Big Play Slay, the veteran cornerback confirmed previous reports that he did not request a trade while addressing his future.
“I do want to finish my career as an Eagle, but we’ll see,” he said at the time. “We be looking forward to it, man. Got time here. But best believe, I do want to be an Eagle. But if my job requires me to go elsewhere, then I’ll go.”
