The Philadelphia Eagles made a really difficult decision on Wednesday, parting ways with Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay. However, it seems that they may be regretting that decision just hours after making it.
Slay has undoubtedly been a huge part of the Eagles defense in recent years. Since being traded to Philadelphia in 2020, the veteran cornerback has made two Pro Bowl appearances. It now appears that the Eagles are having some second thoughts about their decision to release him.
According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the Eagles are having a “hard time” letting Slay go at the moment.
They also reportedly wish that they could keep 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 was previously assumed that Slay would likely go elsewhere in free agency after being cut. He has already hinted at interest in joining star cornerback Marlon Humphrey on the Baltimore Ravens after retweeting a Twitter post of Humphrey’s.
Either Marlon Humphrey and Darius Slay are trolling, or this really could be a big day for Ravens 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/csUR0mwMAn
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) March 15, 2023
While he could certainly still sign elsewhere, it seems like the Eagles at least still want to be in the hunt to potentially bring him back. Many around the NFL world took notice of this extremely surprising development.
I believe Darius Slay wants to stay. I believe they are trying to see if they can find a way. We will see. https://t.co/zwzG8vtIBV
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 16, 2023
Darius Slay returning to the #Eagles? 👀
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) March 16, 2023
Plot twist: After informing Darius Slay of an impending release, the Eagles are working to find a way to keep their cornerback, per source. Nothing final just yet. @TheAthletic https://t.co/SrmSQWd3FP
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 16, 2023
A few hours ago it sounded like Slay was gone, but the door is definitely still open on a possible return … https://t.co/vjOPKKtxAs
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) March 16, 2023
#Eagles working hard to keep @bigplay24slay https://t.co/8Y8amD1Dpi
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) March 16, 2023
The main reason that the Eagles were expected to move on from Slay was due to the inability from both sides to agree on restructuring his contract. It was never about simply wanting to move on from his play on the field.
It has been a whirlwind of emotions on Wednesday from Eagles fans wanting Slay to stay with the team. There is now hope that may actually come to fruition.
