The Eagles’ decision to release Darius Slay on Monday should be neither surprising nor alarming. Slay’s career arc and contract suggested that this move was likely, even a formality, and no one should panic about it.

The Philadelphia Eagles got things going with their offseason with the release of longtime cornerback Darius Slay, starting the restructuring of the NFL's No. 1 defense. Slay will be 35 next January and was designated as a post-June 1 cut. The Eagles will save $4.3 million against the 2025 salary cap and $17.8 million for 2026.

Slay's total pass breakups throughout his five years in Philadelphia, which ranks eighth all-time in Eagles history. The immediate company around him: Quintin Mikell in 9th with 48, Malcolm Jenkins in 7th with 58, and Asante Samuel at 6th with 64.