The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with veteran cornerback Darius Slay, ending a successful five-year run that included three Pro Bowl selections and a recent Super Bowl victory.

Slay’s Contract Situation

Slay was entering the final year of his contract and had no guaranteed money left, prompting the Eagles’ decision for a release to optimize their salary cap. The team is expected to save about $4.3 million from this move, which comes with a post-June 1 designation.

Potential Landing Spots for Darius Slay

As initially noted by CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, several teams could be interested in signing Slay:

Pittsburgh Steelers

Due to a previous connection with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, the Steelers represent an appealing option for Slay. They also have significant cap space, positioned perfectly for a potential acquisition.

Detroit Lions

Slay might consider returning to Detroit, the place where his career took off. The Lions are in need of experienced leadership in their secondary after allowing the third-most passing yards last year.

Washington Commanders

With a healthy salary cap, the Commanders could benefit from Slay’s expertise while they continue to bolster their secondary, especially after previous efforts this offseason.

Buffalo Bills

Despite fining themselves over the cap for the new season, the Bills could be interested in adding a player of Slay’s caliber to elevate performance in a struggling pass defense.

Conclusion

Though Slay’s exit from Philadelphia is confirmed, a return remains a possibility after exploring free agency. With his experience and credentials, he may yet play an important role in the championship ambitions of his next team.