Getting to the Super Bowl is difficult enough for an NFL team, but maintaining the talent on the roster to get there is even more difficult. The Philadelphia Eagles have already learned that the hard way this offseason, as they have already lost three defensive starters from last season to free agency: Javon Hargrave (49ers), T.J. Edwards (Bears) and Marcus Epps (Raiders).
Now, Philadelphia is reportedly expected to lose another defensive starter.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Eagles plan to release five-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay. The Eagles and the star cornerback could not work out a restricted contract and he will become a free agent at the start of the new league year on Wednesday afternoon.
Eagles and Darius Slay could not work out a restructured contract and he will be a free agent today at 4 pm, per sources. https://t.co/tA3UVv4MRW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
The news comes after the Eagles had recently given Slay and his representatives permission to seek a trade. After not being able to find a trading partner or common ground for a restructured contract, the Eagles have elected to part ways with Slay, who they plan to designate as a post-June 1 release, according to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo.
Understanding the business side of the move, Slay reacted to the news on Twitter in a surprising manner:
Nothing but love Philly!! Lets see where we heading next..
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 15, 2023
The NFL world didn’t exactly have the same reaction as Slay, as many were left confused by the Eagles’ decision to move on from the 2017 first-team All-Pro cornerback.
A.J. Brown tweeted this after the Darius Slay news broke 😬 pic.twitter.com/5ir0MQyukU
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 15, 2023
Darius Slay is a 5-time Pro Bowler who loves the challenge of facing an opposing team's top wide receiver man-to-man.
An elite player just became available to sign…
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 15, 2023
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) March 15, 2023
Y’all still trust in Howie?
I was told him and Bradberry were the best Duo in football.So why is Howie letting him walk?
Get ready when it’s time to Pay Devonte Smith but that Aj brown contract is on the books 😎 https://t.co/g9btygNS9R
— (Foots The King) (@FootsDaKing) March 15, 2023
It’s crazy how quickly things can change in the NFL.
The Eagles had arguably the best overall roster in the NFL and came so close to winning a Super Bowl. In just 2 months they’ve lost both of their coordinators and a handful of key players. https://t.co/xThm72Uqfx
— Nick Lombardi (@NF_Lombardi) March 15, 2023
I enjoy Philly's plan of breaking up with their entire defense https://t.co/54L6dOjTNB
— Danny Heifetz (@Danny_Heifetz) March 15, 2023
That’s wild https://t.co/CCv6VZlVEm
— All-Pro Reavo (@JR1ERA) March 15, 2023
A top tier cornerback is going to available for CB needy teams this afternoon! https://t.co/76VnoxymUE
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) March 15, 2023
[Adam Schefter on Twitter, Mike Garafolo on Twitter]