Darius Slay hoping to finish career by playing one more year for Eagles or Lions

Darius Slay spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions, and has now played a half decade with the Eagles. He hopes that his 13th and final NFL season comes with one of those two franchises.

Slay was asked by Lions All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown about his future, including whether he would consider a return to Detroit to finish off his career if the Eagles don't retain him: 

"For sure the two spots I would love to always be at is Philly or Detroit."

Eagles CB Darius Slay makes it clear he still wants to play at least one more year and, if it isn't with the Eagles, he isn't ruling out a return to Detroit. pic.twitter.com/k3GtTtqCOH

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) February 19, 2025

The six-time Pro Bowler has one year remaining on a three-year/$42 million contract, although Over The Cap says if the Eagles designated him as a post-June 1 cut and spread out his dead money over two seasons, they could actually open up $4.324 million in cap space for the 2025 season. 

The Eagles are estimated to currently have around $25 million in cap space this offseason, but opening up more room could potentially help them to retain any of their impending free agents, a list that includes Zach Baun, Josh Sweat, Milton Williams and Mekhi Becton. 

Of course, if the Eagles moved on from Slay, they'd have to feel comfortable about Cooper DeJean moving from nickel to the right outside corner spot across from Quinyon Mitchell. That or they'd need to have someone in mind via free agency or the draft to replace Slay. 

What's also possible is the Eagles find a way to keep Slay, who turned 34 in January, for another season. That could mean they restructure his deal, using a signing bonus and/or void years to lower the $13.78 million cap hit he's currently slated to have in 2025.