In the years leading up to Darius Slay's arrival, the Philadelphia Eagles had owned one of the worst secondaries in the league throughout the 2010s.
Once they traded the Pro Bowler from the Detroit Lions, though, Slay's impact has been felt right from the very beginning.
Eagles CB Darius Slay celebrating vs. Panthers
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Philadelphia has been ranked in the top 10 in pass defense in three of the last four seasons thanks in large part to Slay's success as a lockdown cornerback.
As the team prepares for the conference championship game against the Washington Commanders, the 34-year-old cornerback knows that Sunday's contest could be his last with the organization.
According to Ashlyn Sullivan of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Slay said he is "preparing" for Sunday's NFC Championship Game to be his final home game in an Eagles uniform.
Slay added that he is "85 percent" leaning toward playing one more season, but "understands it most likely won't be with the Eagles."
Philadelphia has plenty of young corners to step into Slay's current role. Kelee Ringo and Isaiah Rodgers could be seen as potential options to replace the Pro Bowler.
Still, this move would be a shocker in many ways.
A pre-June 1 cut or trade of Slay would result in $22.75 million in dead cap and an $8.97 million hit against the cap, but designating him as a post-June 1 cut or trade would give the Eagles $4.324 million in cap savings in 2025.
In short, Philadelphia is expected to try and get younger over the coming months after the season ends.
Which means Slay might be playing in his final few games as an Eagle.
