It has been a rollercoaster of emotions for fans of the Philadelphia Eagles regarding Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay. Slay was expected to be released by the organization before the next NFL season became official at 4 p.m. EST on Wednesday.
However, he will now seemingly be returning to the team.
Slay has been an integral part of the Eagles’ elite defense over the past three seasons. Since being traded to the organization in 2020, he has recorded a combined seven interceptions.
The veteran cornerback revealed on his social media that he will remain with the Eagles for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
“Back like I never left!!! Run it back,” tweeted Slay on Wednesday night.
Back like I never left!!! Run it back 🦅
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 16, 2023
This comes after reports emerged that the Eagles were “having a hard time” letting go of Slay despite initially planning to part ways with him.
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
It certainly seemed like Slay’s time with the Eagles was set to be done. He even tweeted out a goodbye to the city of Philadelphia on Twitter.
Nothing but love Philly!! Lets see where we heading next..
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 15, 2023
This wild turn of events in Philadelphia has the NFL world talking, with many praising general manager Howie Roseman for figuring out this tricky situation.
What a wild turn of events.
Howie Roseman is the GOAT.
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) March 16, 2023
Master class work by Howie Roseman and the #Eagles front office over the last 48 hours with their 2 CBs.
The Eagles prioritized the secondary this offseason.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) March 16, 2023
Eagles appear to be keeping Darius Slay. Howie Roseman and his staff do it again https://t.co/lndjvUi5YB
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 16, 2023
Did Howie Roseman go straight from Hogwarts to the Eagles? https://t.co/AJteFCKpFL
— Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) March 16, 2023
I guess Howie Roseman is a better juggler than we thought. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/58GmyNG1cL
— Hugh Douglas (@Bighugh53) March 16, 2023
The issues between Slay and the Eagles were never about the on-field performance of the veteran cornerback. The two failed to come to a decision on restructuring his contract. It is unclear at this point what the contract details that the two agreed to are.
Regardless, Eagles fans seem to be ecstatic that they are bringing back an elite talent like Slay to try and make another Super Bowl run next year.