On Monday, reports emerged that the Philadelphia Eagles plan to release Darius Slay, a former second-round pick of the Detroit Lions. While the move hasn’t been finalized, it was expected due to Slay’s significant cap hit.
Slay is still performing at a high level, but more importantly, he has expressed a preference to finish his career in either Philadelphia or Detroit. While a return to the Eagles remains a possibility, many are speculating whether the cornerback-needy Lions would consider bringing him back.
Question of the Day: Should the Lions pursue Darius Slay?
My take: First, it’s great to hear that Slay is interested in returning to Detroit. He was not only a strong player on the field but also a positive influence in the locker room and the community. Even at 34, he could provide valuable leadership, particularly for young corners like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, whose development is crucial for the team’s future. He’d also be a great cultural fit, given his affection for the city and his desire to help bring a Super Bowl to Detroit.
That said, I do have concerns about how well he fits into the Lions’ defensive scheme. Despite a change at defensive coordinator, Dan Campbell has emphasized the team’s commitment to man coverage a system that doesn’t align well with Slay’s current strengths. In 2024, one of his better seasons in recent years, he played man coverage just 23.7% of the time, according to PFF. In contrast, Arnold played it on 46.9% of his snaps. Slay’s man-coverage grades over the past three seasons further highlight the concern:
– 2024: 62.2
– 2023: 35.7
– 2022: 68.2
Additionally, run defense has never been Slay’s strong suit, and Detroit expects its cornerbacks to be heavily involved in run support something that likely won’t change at this stage of his career.
That said, Slay’s experience in various defensive schemes means he wouldn’t be a major liability, and his intangibles leadership, mentorship, and familiarity with the team are undeniable. So, I’d be open to the Lions bringing him back, but only under the right circumstances. If they can sign him at a reasonable price without jeopardizing their ability to retain Carlton Davis or add another starting-level corner, it makes sense. However, if Slay is Detroit’s marquee move at the position and expected to be a full-time starter in 2025, that would be a mistake.
Be the first to comment