As the NFL trade deadline approaches, speculation about possible movements throughout the league grows. One fascinating scenario includes the Philadelphia Eagles and veteran cornerback Darius Slay.
With a crowded cornerback room and exciting young players on the horizon, could the Eagles be considering a trade? CBSSports.com’s Cody Benjamin recently mentioned Slay as one of seven high-profile players that could be traded before the NFL’s November 5 deadline. Benjamin’s argument is based on several critical considerations, including the Eagles’ investment in young cornerback prospects such as Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, and Cooper DeJean.
General manager Howie Roseman is notorious for making imaginative deals, and he was reportedly ready to cut ways with Slay before the 2023 season. This history, paired with the team’s young talent, may provide additional motivation for improvement.
While Slay (on his $42 million contract) is still a consistent performer at 33, his dominance has diminished. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Slay has allowed 11 catches on 15 targets this season, with only two pass breakups. His opponent passer rating of 129.7 is the worst among Eagles corners and third-worst on the club overall.
Regardless of these concerns, there are solid reasons to assume Slay will stay with the Eagles. The squad is in the midst of the NFC East race and is hoping for a deep postseason run. Trading their most seasoned cornerback, whether “blockbuster” or not, might be viewed as a step back for a competitive team. The present depth chart indicates that a transaction is improbable. While the Eagles have some young talent, they have not demonstrated a desire to offer them meaningful playing time. Kelee Ringo, for example, has played only 20 snaps this season, with converted safety Avonte Maddox serving as the primary nickel cornerback. Slay’s experience and leadership in the secondary might be important as the Eagles strive for another Super Bowl.
