The Detroit Lions might be eyeing a familiar face to help strengthen their cornerback position as they head into the offseason. With Carlton Davis set to become a free agent, the Lions could find themselves in need of reinforcements at the cornerback spot. If that happens, a player drafted by the team more than 10 years ago could offer a potential solution.
Darius Slay, the 32-year-old cornerback currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, could be on the move this offseason due to the final year of his $42 million contract. If the Eagles decide to cut him, it seems the Lions would be the team Slay is most interested in joining.
During an appearance on “The St. Brown Podcast” on February 19, Slay made it clear that he still wants to play at least one more season in the NFL. He mentioned that his preferred destinations are either the Eagles or the Lions, the teams he feels most connected to.
Slay’s connection to Detroit runs deep. He was drafted by the Lions in 2013 with the 36th overall pick and spent seven seasons with the team. Throughout his time in Detroit, Slay was a standout performer, making three Pro Bowls and earning an All-Pro nomination.
During his tenure with the Lions, Slay established himself as one of the league’s top cornerbacks, leading the league in interceptions in one season. He finished his time in Detroit with 104 passes defensed, 19 interceptions, and 347 total tackles, solidifying his legacy with the team.
After leaving the Lions, Slay joined the Eagles for the past five seasons. He became an integral part of their defense and was a key contributor to their Super Bowl-winning roster. His performances in Philadelphia have been consistently solid, and he remains one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks.
In his 12th NFL season, Slay’s skills have not diminished. He held opposing quarterbacks to a 54.7% completion rate and allowed just 6.1 yards per pass attempt when targeted in his direction. His performance has shown that he still has a lot to offer.
As the Lions face an uncertain future in their secondary, bringing back a familiar face like Slay could be a smart move. With his experience, leadership, and proven ability to perform at a high level, Slay could help anchor Detroit’s defense for another season.
