Darius Slay: ‘I was this close’ to becoming a Baltimore Raven
One of the best defensive backs in the NFL, Darius Slay, almost signed with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason.
After being given permission to seek a trade and almost being released, Slay made the choice to remain in Philadelphia. The Baltimore Ravens were the first team to call and offer Slay a contract he felt was fair while he was seeking a trade.
“They offered just what I wanted, and I just said, if the Eagles do that, I’m going to stay an Eagle,” Slay said. “It was nice. I almost was a Raven.”
Slay described almost becoming a Raven and his contract situation on his Big Play Slay Podcast.
Slay made the decision to stay in Philadelphia after restructuring his contract back in March. The 32-year-old was set to have a $26.1 million cap hit in 2023. His new two-year extension is worth as much as $42 million, with $24.5 million being guaranteed.
At the start of free agency, the Eagles were very uncertain about the chances of keeping Slay on the team. Starting defensive backs James Bradberry and C.J. Gardner-Johnson were also free agents this offseason, making the notion of Slay returning to Philadelphia even less likely. His return to the defending NFC champions is something that caught the majority of the NFL by surprise.
Howie Roseman a Large Reason Slay Stayed
Slay’s surprising return to the Eagles shows that general manager Howie Roseman wanted five-time Pro Bowler back badly. Roseman could have easily let Slay walk and join the Ravens. Choosing instead to restructure his contract and make both parties happy.
Slay ultimately credited Roseman as one of the main reasons for staying in Philadelphia.
“I was this close. This close,” Slay said on his podcast. “But I wanted to be an Eagle, I stayed an Eagle, because I know me and Howie were going to figure something out.”
Roseman has been the Eagles general manager for the past 13 seasons and displayed why in convincing Slay to return.
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