The Lions have received calls on Darius Slay, and Albert Breer of SI.com reports they have made the veteran cornerback available. A team in a similar NFC position is pursuing him.
Having finished second in the Jalen Ramsey sweepstakes, and having pursued Chris Harris, the Eagles are “working hard” on a Slay trade, Chris Mortensen said during a SportsCenter appearance (via SI.com). However, the Lions are setting a “very, very high” price.
In hopes of landing a third Lions contract, Slay held out from the team’s offseason program. He was unsuccessful in his extension pursuit and reported to training camp on time. Detroit extended its other offseason holdout, Damon Harrison, during camp. But nothing has emerged on the prospect of another Slay re-up.
The Lions extended Slay in 2016 to a four-year, $50.2MM deal. Unlike Harris, he has another year remaining on his contract. Coupled with Detroit’s standing in the NFC playoff picture, that will allow the Lions to hold out for a strong offer. However, after the Lions traded Quandre Diggs to the Seahawks last week, Slay said he would not object to being traded himself. Slay, 28, is due a $10MM 2020 base salary.
Slay is a two-time Pro Bowler who grades as Pro Football Focus’ No. 52 corner this season. He picked off eight passes in 2016. The Eagles have struggled against the pass this season but have Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills back in action. Howie Roseman did not address this position over the offseason, but the rumors connecting Philadelphia to Ramsey and Harris point to the team recognizing a need remains. With another report indicating an Eagles splash move may be coming, the possibility of a cornerback being added to the roster certainly exists.
They’ll go get more tight ends, running backs, and defensive ends.
Well they do only have 2 TEs on the roster and run many 2TE sets so they need another.
*active roster. They have two on the practice squad. Perkins and Orndoff. I agree they are ballsy having only two on the 53 man but they have much bigger need than TE which was the point I was sarcastically making.
No, they actually need another tight end on the active roster, however they want to upgrade at other positions.
52nd corner? So this year the love is more past performance than current production.
Slay is starting to show he’s a diva. No one liked the Diggs trade. Maybe try being a professional instead of pouting every time something doesn’t go your way.
Agreed…. as a Lions fan I’ve always loved the talent. I could do without the diva approach.
Use the Eagles to pay the Chargers for Gordon and GET THIS DONE
Gordon is average. Why do you guys want him so bad?