Despite previous reports that the Philadelphia Eagles were set to release him, cornerback Darius Slay agreed to a $42 million contract extension that includes $23 million fully guaranteed, multiple reports said Thursday.
Slay had been scheduled to enter the last year of a three-year, $50 million deal signed in March 2020. With the new two-year extension, Slay is reportedly now under contract with the Eagles through 2025.
The agreement comes in the wake of mixed messages regarding Slay’s future with the Eagles. The Eagles had failed in attempts to find a trade partner for Slay and last week had given Slay’s agent Drew Rosenhaus permission to seek a trade while still negotiating a possible extension.
Late Wednesday night, Slay hinted at the future when he tweeted, “Back like I never left!!! Run it back,” followed by an eagle emoji.
Back like I never left!!! Run it back
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 16, 2023
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Slay’s new contract doesn’t contain any new money agreements, which should help clear up cap space for the Eagles.
Slay, 32, started all 17 games in 2022 and registered 14 pass breakups and three interceptions for a unit that led the league in pass defense (179.8 yards per game).
He added 12 tackles in the postseason for the NFC champs, who lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
Slay has 26 interceptions and 513 tackles in 151 games (141 starts) with the Detroit Lions (2013-19) and Eagles. He is a five-time Pro Bowler, including in two of his three seasons in Philadelphia.
–Field Level Media