Eagles CB Darius Slay Talks About His Future Playing

This offseason, the Eagles added several cornerbacks, chief among them Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both selected in the first two rounds of the draft. Darius Slay and James Bradberry are still active members of the team, despite the fact that they are undoubtedly nearing the conclusion rather than the beginning of their careers.

In the latter’s case, two years remain on his deal. Slay’s Philadelphia future came into question last offseason when the team appeared to be prepared to release him. An extension was worked out, though, and the 33-year-old is now set to continue as a starting perimeter corner on an Eagles defense which struggled down the stretch in 2023. Slay is aware, however, that his time in the NFL is nearing an end.

“Ahh s—. Not too many,” he said when asked about about more years he intends to play (via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia). “I’m not going to just keep playing. I’m going to let these young guys eat. That’s what I’m here for, to make sure these guys get there. And when my time is up, It’s up. I’m ready to be a full-time daddy and stuff.”

Slay has been a full-time starter throughout his four-year Eagles tenure. That could remain the case in 2024 with Bradberry facing the possibility of transitioning to safety in the waning stages of his career. Mitchell, DeJean and free agent addition Isaiah Rodgers are among the contenders for notable defensive playing time this season. Given their collective lack of experience at the pro level, Slay is a natural fit in a mentorship role.

With eight interceptions in the last three seasons, the former Lion has been selected to the Pro Bowl each time. Slay is expected to contribute significantly to the Eagles’ defense, which Vic Fangio is currently in charge of, at least through the upcoming season. He is due to collect $16 million in 2025, so he might be around for that year, but beyond that, there will be doubts about his ability to play. Slay shouldn’t be expected to pursue a deal that would extend his NFL career well into the 2020s given his comments.