Photo: Getty Images
The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly released starting cornerback Darius Slay, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday (March 3).
Slay, 34, a six-time Pro Bowler, started in 14 games for the Eagles during the regular season, as well as all four games in the postseason, including their Super Bowl LIX blowout win against the Kansas City Chiefs. The release will be designated as a post-June 1 transaction, which will save Philadelphia an estimated $4.3 million against the salary cap, according to Schefter.
"Eagles are releasing six-time Pro-Bowl CB Darius Slay, per sources. If he is designated a post-June 1 release, the Eagles will save $4.3 million against the cap," Schefter wrote on his X account. "Darius Slay will, in fact, be designated a post June 1 release, saving the Eagles $4.3 million against the cap."
The Eagles reportedly have just over $20 million in cap space as several key players are scheduled to hit free agency next week, including linebacker Zack Baun, defensive linemen Josh Sweat and Milton Williams and guard Mekhi Becton, while most other key players are already locked into long-term deals.
"As the cap gets tighter, as all our expensive players start becoming expensive, you have to go with young players," said general manager Howie Roseman via ESPN.
The Eagles are also transitioning at cornerback following breakout rookie seasons from first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell and second-round pick Cooper DeJean, who recorded an interception for a touchdown during Super Bowl LIX.