CB Darius Slay Retires

Slay took to Instagram to announce his retirement on Monday. The veteran cornerback ended last season on the reserve/retired list after not reporting to the Bills to close out the campaign. It recently became clear any NFL return would only take place with Philadelphia. That will not be the case.

“I’ve been blessed to play the game I loved since I was 5 yrs old for an amazing 13 yrs at the highest level,” Slay’s retirement message reads in part. “Football was my peace, my joy, my everything. This game put me in a position to help take care of my family and loved ones and I’m forever grateful.”

Slay entered the NFL as a Lions draftee in 2013. The second-rounder was a rotational presence during his rookie campaign, but he operated as a full-time starter through the remainder of his career. Slay spent his first seven years in Detroit, a stretch highlighted by the 2017 season; that year, he led the NFL in both interceptions (eight) and pass deflections (26).

In March of 2020, Slay was traded to the Eagles. That deal provided Philadelphia with a standout contributor in the secondary. The Mississippi State product earned three of his six career Pro Bowl nods as an Eagle during a stretch from 2021-23. The following season, Slay was a key defensive presence as Philadelphia won Super Bowl LIX. That title is one or many highlights on the former All-Pro’s resume.

Slay’s Eagles tenure seemed to be ending before he wound up remaining in place on a one-year pact for 2024. Last offseason, he joined the Steelers in free agency. A 10-game run (including nine starts) ensued, but things did not go according to plan. Slay was held without an interception for the second year in a row and he struggled in coverage. Pittsburgh’s decision to release him after the trade deadline led to a trip to the waiver wire. Slay’s preference was to return to the Eagles, but the Bills prevented that by putting in a claim.

In all, Slay totaled 198 regular and postseason games in the NFL. Having elected to hang up his cleats at the age of 35, he will depart the league with nearly $120MM in career earnings.