Some love him. Some have grown weary. All respect him. Or, they should if they don't. Darius Slay has given blood, sweat, and tears to the Philadelphia Eagles for five seasons.
The most recent was a bonus because we thought he might leave during the most recent offseason. The smoke cleared, and dust settled. Slay decided he'd give it one more whirl partially because Dom DiSandro asked him to.
But, what happens next? We can't rule out the possibility that his time in Philly is dwindling.
The NFC Championship Game might be Darius Slay's final appearance in an Eagles jersey.
On March 16, 2023, Slay agreed to restructure the final year of his contract with the Eagles and sign a two-year extension as a byproduct. He's an unrestricted free agent come March of 2026.
This season was his most demanding physically. Sure, we saw flashes of the old Slay, one that could run stride for stride with the guys he was defending, but we also saw him in the medical tent almost weekly.
To his credit, each time he hobbled off the playing surface, he limped back on. We called him a warrior each time because he is. He also turned 34 years old on New Year's Day, and in the NFL, 34 isn't the new 24. It's the same old 34.
There's also this to consider. He has told sources he might play one more season, that he wouldn't play past 13. That means the coming NFC Championship Game might be his final appearance in an Eagles jersey at Lincoln Financial Field.
The tank is almost empty. Darius Slay might play one more season — he won't play beyond Year 13 — but he doesn't know if it'll be with the Eagles. This could be his final game in Philadelphia.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) January 24, 2025
More on Slay, the past five years, and what's ahead: https://t.co/MNsbiBsnCY pic.twitter.com/GDRcVuAvJf
If this is the end, he has done his part. His leadership has brought so many young Birds along, both on offense and defense. Philly's cornerback room should be fine moving forward with Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Kelee Ringo.
To date, he has racked up just over 300 tackles and 62 pass breakups and ten interceptions as a Bords defender (those numbers include seven playoff appearances). He has also racked up three of his six Pro Bowl nominations. It's been one heck of a ride.