When the Philadelphia Eagles take the field for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, they'll do so knowing that the contest could be the final one for many franchise legends.
Edge rusher Brandon Graham has already teased that his return to the field in New Orleans could be his final NFL game. He's the longest-tenured Eagle in franchise history. Lane Johnson was rumored to debate retirement from the team as well before denying it earlier this week.
(Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)
But the two all-time legends of the franchise aren't the only ones who could be playing their final game for Philadelphia.
Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay has been one of the best cornerbacks in football this season as well as during his five-year run in Philly.
With a large cap hit, and younger players ready to take over behind him, Slay knows he could be playing his final game in Philadelphia. Even if he chooses to play for another season.
“Yeah, next year most likely will be my last,” Slay said Wednesday. “I would love for it to be as a Philadelphia Eagle, you know what I’m saying? But if it ain’t, it’s cool, but if it is, I’m super blessed.”
Slay counts $13.8 million against the salary cap in 2025, the final year of his contract, although that goes up to $25 million against the cap in 2026.
The writing, as they say, is on the wall.
But even if the Eagles are to move on from the 34-year-old doesn't mean there is any love lost between the two. Slay is in a rare place where the player understands what the organization needs to do moving forward.
And he's just appreciative to be along for the ride.
“Thankful for this organization for trading for me and making some of my dreams possible. I always dreamed about playing in the Super Bowl, and this is my second time," Slay said. “I know a lot of guys that didn’t make to the playoffs for a lot of years, or played in the playoffs but didn’t make it past the second round. I’ve done a lot of great things, and I’m thankful for the Lord and the organization.”
Few players have had the kind of impact in reshaping Philadelphia's secondary quite like Slay has done in his stint with the team.
It's the reason why there are many younger players on the Eagles roster who want to win on Sunday to let these legends go out as winners.
