Philadelphia Eagles whose stock is soaring ahead of Week 7 versus Raiders

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay

Darius Slay, when he was traded for and signed to an extension back in March of 2020, was immediately under intense pressure as soon as the ink dried on his new three-year, $50 million deal.

Philly had missed on the opportunity to add Byron Jones and James Bradberry, two of the top free agents at the cornerback position during the 2020 offseason (and two players the fans wanted), so things were a little tense.

As you’re well aware, for one reason or another (and rightfully so) Eagles vice-president/general manager Howie Roseman is always in trouble with the Eagles fan base. Philly was desperate for an elite player at the position, so Slay’s addition felt like both a makeup date and one of the better moves that we had seen from Howie in a while.

Slay’s talent was on display early, but it wasn’t perfect. When he needed to be at his best, versus D.K. Metcalf and Davante Adams for instance, he was at his worst, but he’s hung in there.

Slay appeared in 15 games with 14 starts in 2020. The result was 59 total tackles, six pass breakups, and an interception.

He’s on pace to have one of his best seasons in 2021. He’s already exceeded his interception total from last season with two, and he’s halfway to his PBU total after six weeks with three. He needs 35 tackles to match last year’s total. This is one of Philadelphia’s best players on defense. There’s no reason to believe that he won’t get there. Grade: A