Preparing for the 2025 NFL Free Agency
The start of the new NFL league year is just one week away, and teams are already making significant roster decisions to prepare for what promises to be a tumultuous first wave of 2025 free agency. The Los Angeles Rams have retained quarterback Matthew Stafford on a restructured deal, while the San Francisco 49ers traded star wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick. These moves have set the stage for a series of strategic decisions that could reshape the league.
The Eagles’ Decision to Release Darius Slay
On Monday morning, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles made a notable move by releasing veteran cornerback Darius Slay. This decision, reported by Adam Schefter, will clear around $4.3 million in needed salary cap space for the team. Slay, who is about to enter his age 34 season, is a six-time Pro Bowler and continues to play at a high level. Despite his advanced age, Slay remains a formidable presence on the field, and his release has sparked discussions about his next destination.
Slay’s Potential Future
Slay has a strong case for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his 12-year NFL career could be heading to a familiar stop. In a recent appearance on star Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s podcast, Slay laid out the two teams he could see himself playing for in 2025: the Eagles and the Lions. The Lions drafted Slay with the 36th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, and he has deep ties to the city of Detroit. Slay expressed his love for Detroit, calling it his second home and highlighting the work he continues to do for the city. He also mentioned his strong desire to play one more season and hopes it is with the Eagles. However, he is open to a potential reunion with the Lions, who are also considering their options for the 2025 season.
The Lions’ Decision on Carlton Davis
The Detroit Lions have a significant decision to make regarding pending free agent Carlton Davis. Last March, the Lions traded a third-round pick for Davis and his expiring contract, indicating that he is a likely part of their plans for 2025 and beyond. However, adding Slay on a one-year deal could be a worthwhile exploration for the Lions. Slay’s experience and leadership could significantly bolster the team’s defense, potentially aiding them in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
Slay’s Future Plans and the Eagles’ Young Cornerback Corps
Slay has indicated that he plans to play until he is 35, which could make 2025 his final year. Despite the Eagles’ recent Super Bowl victory, it was never expected that Slay would have the opportunity to finish his career with the team due to his $13.7 million cap hit. The Eagles are now extremely young at the cornerback position, with their top three players—Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Kelee Ringo—all 23 years old or younger. This youth movement could be a factor in the Eagles’ decision to release Slay, but it is still possible that they bring him back on a new one-year contract.
The Road Ahead for Slay and the Eagles
Given the current landscape, Slay’s most likely path is to explore a reunion with the franchise that drafted him, the Detroit Lions. His experience and leadership could be invaluable to a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Meanwhile, the Eagles will continue to focus on developing their young cornerback corps, aiming to maintain their defensive prowess in the highly competitive NFC. The coming days and weeks will be crucial as teams finalize their rosters and prepare for the 2025 season, with Slay’s next move being a key storyline to watch.
