Getty Image / Kevin Sabitus
It has been a rollercoaster week for Darius Slay and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Late last week, it appeared Slay’s time in Philly was coming to an end when the team gave his agent permission to seek a trade.
The Philadelphia Eagles have allowed Darius Slay's agent Drew Rosenhaus to seek a trade, per sources. The Eagles are still hopeful to find a solution where Slay remains an Eagle.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 10, 2023
No trade ever came.
With no trade parter, it was reported just yesterday that the Eagles were planning to release Slay.
Eagles plan to release CB Darius Slay, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
Now they’ve gone ahead and changed their plan again.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Slay and the Eagles have reached an agreement on a 2-year extension that will keep Slay with the team through 2025.
He’s back: The #Eagles are keeping star CB Darius Slay after all, with the team reaching a 2-year extension through 2025, per me and @MikeGarafolo. He announced his release but wasn't actually released. The two sides got together and worked it out. The Pro Bowler sticks. pic.twitter.com/FrpVKs390f
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2023
The decision to let Slay pursue a trade in the first place came as a surprise to football fans.
The Eagles had one of the NFL’s most fearsome defenses last season thanks in large part to Slay and James Bradberry making life difficult for opposing receivers.
With Bradberry already re-signed and now Slay returning to the team, the Eagles defense should remain one that is very difficult to throw against.
Coming off of an appearance in the Super Bowl and still boasting a loaded roster, the Eagles should once again find themselves competing with the league’s best teams in 2023 and holding onto Pro Bowl corner Darius Slay is a great move to give themselves a chance to repeat as NFC champions.