PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 12: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles talks to Darius Slay #2 against the New York Jets during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Jets defeated the Eagles 24-21. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Eagles will release cornerback Darius Slay after the two sides couldn’t agree to a restructured contract.
Philly just can’t stop the bleeding. Much of the vaunted Eagles defense which haunted opposing NFC offenses last season is gone thanks to NFL free agency. Along with Slay, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, linebacker T.J. Edwards and safety Marcus Epps will line up elsewhere next season.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and fellow DT Linval Joseph remain free agents as of now. That’s over half the defense.
There was always bound to be some turnover, but Howie Roseman’s bold strategy of replacing the majority of his league-best unit on the fly could come back to bite him.
Slay said his goodbyes to Philadelphia after the two sides failed to agree to a restructured contract.
Nothing but love Philly!! Lets see where we heading next..
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 15, 2023
Philadelphia was able to extend James Bradberry on Tuesday, and there are plenty of capable corners in a loaded draft class, so that’s likely where Roseman’s head is at in letting Slay walk.
Why did the Philadelphia Eagles release Darius Slay?
The Eagles released Slay because they’re up against a cap crunch, and they know a Jalen Hurts contract extension is coming either this offseason, or somewhere down the road. They really went for it this past season with Hurts still on his rookie deal.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown didn’t sound happy about Philadelphia’s decision to release Slay, as he’s just one of the many Eagles contributors heading elsewhere this offseason.
It’s easy to understand the frustration. How is Philadelphia supposed to reach the Super Bowl, let alone win it with a completely new defensive unit in 2023? As great as Nick Sirianni is, he’s also welcoming a new defensive coordinator and system next season as well.
Retooling to this extent after reaching the Super Bowl is a bold strategy.
