Darius Slay has spent his entire pro career with the Detroit Lions. But he’s now set to make a move to the NFC East.
According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Slay will sign a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. He had expressed hope via social media that a move to a new team was a possibility. He’s getting his wish with this development.
I'm told there are ongoing discussions right now regarding the framework of a 3-year extension as part of a trade that would send CB Darius Slay to the #Eagles, per source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 19, 2020
Slay tallied two interceptions in 2019 which was tied with rookie Amani Oruwariye for best on the Lions. That relatively low output likely played a part in Detroit finishing with a 3-12-1 record. He also recovered a fumble and broke up 13 passes.
2017 was the season where Slay truly announced himself as one of the best corners in the league. That year, he managed eight interceptions which not only led the Lions. It was tied for the most in the NFL with Tennessee Titans defensive back Kevin Byard.
Slay finishes his Lions career as one of the team’s most prolific cornerbacks. His 19 total interceptions are top-20 among Detroit defenders while his 104 career pass breakups are most in team history since the NFL began tracking the stat. He also registered his lone pick-six in 2018 in a 17-3 road win over the Arizona Cardinals on December 9 of that year.
Prior to making an impact in the pros, Slay initially began his college career at Itawamba Community College before transferring to Mississippi State. He would proceed to put together two impressive seasons in Starkville. His senior season was particularly noteworthy as he managed five interceptions which were tied for best in the SEC alongside Tennessee’s Byron Moore. It led to the Lions making him the 36th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Slay was eased into a prominent role with the Lions as he made just four starts as a rookie. But during his next six seasons with the team, he made a total of 90 starts. He’s made the past three Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2017.
