NFL Free Agency: Eagles expected to keep CB Darius Slay in 2023 despite initial release

In shocking fashion, the Eagles announced their impending release of Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay ahead of the new league year on Wednesday.

Slay, 32, was entering the final year of his three-year, $50M deal and was recently permitted to seek a trade amid negotiations on a potential extension.

When Philadelphia was unable to find a partner, they decided to designate Slay as a post-June 1st cut, sending the five-time Pro Bowler to free agency and saving roughly $17M in cap space in 2023.

Despite this, the Eagles never announced Slay’s release when the new league year began Wednesday at 4 PM. As it turns out, GM Howie Roseman reportedly got cold feet and was reluctant to let go of his standout corner, leaving the door open for a potential return.

From what I'm hearing per source, it sounds like the #Eagles are having a hard time letting go of CB Darius Slay at this moment, & still wish they could keep him. Let's see if GM Howie Roseman can find another rabbit in his hat–so to speak. No matter what, it's a worthy attempt.

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 16, 2023

According to multiple reports, it appears the Eagles have found a solution that works for both sides.

As others have reported, Darius Slay is now expected to remain with the #Eagles, two independent sources told The Inquirer.

Told earlier he was being released, both sides decided to work together toward a resolution to keep the Pro Bowl CB in Philly.

Will become official.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 16, 2023

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The situation isn’t dissimilar from Flecther Cox in 2022, when he tested the open market for mere hours before returning to Philadelphia on a one-year deal.

Now, the Eagles retain their two premier corners from a season ago following the signing of All-Pro CB James Bradberry on Tuesday. Together, Slay and Bradberry helped lead Philadelphia to the No. 1 passing defense that allowed just 179.8 passing yards per game.

Slay’s reworked deal reportedly doesn’t include any new money and should help clear cap space, paving the way for a possible CJ Gardner-Johnson contract. When all hope was lost, Howie Roseman found a way to make it happen — again.

Back like I never left!!! Run it back 🦅

— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 16, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images