The Philadelphia Eagles are laser-focused on their upcoming Super Bowl matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but some significant roster decisions loom on the horizon. Both veteran cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry could be playing their final game in midnight green, according to ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell.
The contrast between the two veterans' seasons couldn't be more stark. While Bradberry has been sidelined the entire year after suffering a lower-leg injury in training camp that was initially expected to keep him out 6-8 weeks, Slay has been nothing short of phenomenal during Philadelphia's playoff run to Super Bowl LIX.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) celebrates his interception during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The emergence of rookie sensations Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean has given the Eagles front office interesting decisions to make this offseason. The young duo's impressive play has positioned them as potential full-time starters for 2025.
"Slay is still playing well enough to start," notes Barnwell, "but with the emergence of rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, it would be a surprise if Philadelphia didn't want to start its two budding stars on a full-time basis in 2025, which would push DeJean ahead of the veteran on the outside in two-cornerback groupings."
The financial implications are significant. Slay has a substantial $16.1 million bonus due before the start of the 2025 season. Eagles GM Howie Roseman will likely look to either restructure Slay's deal or potentially move on to avoid that payment. As for Bradberry, despite only being owed $2.1 million next year, he appears to be a likely candidate for a post-June 1 release after missing the entire 2024 season.
For now, both veterans remain focused on the immediate task at hand—bringing another Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia and getting revenge for their Super Bowl LVII loss to these same Chiefs. Whatever the future holds, both Slay and Bradberry have left an indelible mark on the Eagles' secondary during their tenures in Philadelphia.
The Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, looking to avenge their 2023 loss and potentially give their veteran corners a memorable send-off, should this indeed be their final game in Eagles green.
