Darius Slay to be released by Eagles, saves $17.5 million in cap space

Big Play Slay is on the move.

The Philadelphia Eagles plan to release cornerback Darius Slay, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported, per sources informed of the situation.

Garafolo added the Eagles would designate Slay as a post-June 1 release, which saves $17.5 million in cap space in 2023 with $8.6 million in dead money this year. More than $13 million in dead money will be on the cap in 2024, per Garafolo.

The 32-year-old tweeted his goodbye to Philly Wednesday.

Nothing but love Philly!! Lets see where we heading next..

The Eagles acquired the five-time Pro Bowl corner in 2020 in a trade with the Detroit Lions and handed him a three-year, $50.05 million contract extension.

Slay was slated to enter the final year of his contract, set to earn $17 million in base salary but had no guaranteed money left on the deal. Sides attempted to find common ground on a potential extension but were unable to do so.

Philly granted Slay permission to seek a trade late last week. With no team willing to trade for and pay the corner, the Eagles ultimately will release him.

In three seasons in Philly, Slay generated two Pro Bowl campaigns, earning seven interceptions and 166 tackles. He’ll hit the open market as one of the top cover men available when the new league year opens at 4 p.m. ET.

Releasing Slay comes after the Eagles re-signed corner James Bradberry on Tuesday. Slay is one of several starters the NFC champs will lose this offseason, with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (49ers), linebacker T.J. Edwards (Bears), linebacker Kyzir White (Cardinals) and safety Marcus Epps (Raiders) agreeing to deals elsewhere. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox remain free agents.

The Buffalo Bills are expected to re-sign veteran safety Jordan Poyer. There are still matters to work out between Poyer and the Bills in regards to a contract, but one of Buffalo’s defensive stars isn’t going anywhere.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have found Tom Brady’s successor at quarterback. The Bucs are finalizing a deal with former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield.

The Ezekiel Elliott era is over in Dallas. The Cowboys will likely release the franchise’s third-leading rusher, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday. If and when Elliott is cut, he will be designated a post-June 1 release.

The Panthers are signing TE Hayden Hurst to a three-year deal, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday.

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com’s transaction hub for a daily breakdown.

The Eagles have lost a host of free agents already but were able to keep a key piece in James Bradberry. The veteran CB said Tuesday that the chance to chase a Super Bowl was a primary reason he wanted to return.

Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch believes his “best football is ahead of” him after re-signing with the Cowboys.

Minnesota lost one big-name cornerback to free agency this year but has added another. The Vikings are finalizing a two-year, $22 million deal with former Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy.

David Montgomery is staying in the NFC North. The Lions are signing the former third-round running back to a three-year contract worth $18 million.

The Falcons are returning a mainstay on their offensive line. Atlanta is signing offensive tackle Kaleb McGary to a three-year, $34.5 million contract.

The Panthers have found a veteran leader for their quarterback room ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Carolina is signing former Saints quarterback Andy Dalton to a two-year, $11 million contract with $8 million guaranteed.

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Credit: https://www.nfl.com/news/eagles-releasing-pro-bowl-cb-darius-slay-after-three-seasons

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