The secondary of the Detroit Lions experienced significant enhancement in the 2024 season. The unit’s enhancement is attributed to the recent additions at cornerback. Previous offseason. Detroit acquired Carlton Davis through trade, signed Amik Robertson, and selected Terrion Arnold in the draft. Those three players improved the appearance of Detroit’s secondary, even though they allowed the fifth-highest passing yards (4,404) of any defense in 2024.
Regrettably, Detroit is expected to part ways with Davis during free agency this offseason. That being noted, a former Lions cornerback who could be released due to salary cap reasons this offseason is receptive to rejoining the Motor City.
In the most recent episode of The St. Brown Podcast, Darius Slay discussed his prospects in the NFL. The 34-year-old informed the St. Brown brothers that if he doesn’t go back to Philadelphia next season, he would be eager to return to Detroit.
Darius Slay is willing to come back to Detroit for a final season https://t.co/LoJX14VNUg pic.twitter.com/MylrUjXfhC
— The Lions Wire (@thelionswire) February 19, 2025
Darius Slay Might Rejoin the Lions This Offseason
“I definitely want to be in Philly or Detroit all the time.”
Darius Slay
Slay last appeared for Detroit in 2019. During that season, Slay made 46 tackles, achieved 13 pass deflections, got two interceptions, and recovered one fumble. Additionally, Slay faced difficulties in coverage, achieving a grade of 56.9, as reported by PFF.
Despite PFF indicating he had difficulties in coverage, Slay still earned a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2019. Nevertheless, Detroit ultimately decided to part ways with Slay. Since departing, Slay has been selected to the Pro Bowl in three out of five seasons with the Eagles.
Even though he didn’t accomplish that in 2024, the 34-year-old had a respectable season. Slay tallied 49 tackles, 13 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery this season. Additionally, Slay achieved a coverage grade of 68.9 (52nd among 223), as reported by PFF. Work like this demonstrates that Slay still possesses some ability remaining.
Nonetheless, in the last two seasons, he has faced injury issues. In 2023, Slay was sidelined for five games because of a knee injury. Later, in 2024, he was sidelined for three games due to a knee and groin injury.
Although Lions supporters would embrace Slay warmly, Detroit would require a contingency plan if he were to become injured again. Anyway, monitoring Slay’s upcoming actions this offseason is certainly an intriguing narrative to follow.
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