Slay’s pricetag too steep to stay in Philly
Darius Slay knew something was up when the Eagles gave him permission to seek a trade.
Now his time is up with the team, although the announcement could take a while. Numerous insiders say Slay will be designated a post-June 1st cut, which will opening almost $18 million salary cap space.
Clearly, there wasn’t much of a trade market for a 32-year-old cornerback with a big contract.
Slay confirmed his outgoing status in a tweet:
“Nothing but love Philly!!,” Slay said “Lets see where we heading next.”
The Eagles obviously had no interest in bringing Slay back with a $17 million base salary, much less a $26 million salary cap charge. They also realized they were overextended at the position and decided it was better to bring 30-year-old James Bradberry back at the hometown rate than keep Slay, who teammates voted a captain.
Slay will find a job although he may have to follow the path of guys like 32-yearold
cornerback Patrick Peterson, who recently agreed to a two-year, $14 million pact with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There also are reports the Eagles still are in the running for Chauncey GardnerJohnson, their top performer in the secondary and secondbest defender to pass rusher Haason Reddick. C.J. tied for the league lead with six interceptions despite sitting out five games.
Former Bengals safety Jessie Bates, who the Eagles were interested in acquiring agreed to a four-year, $64 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The $23 million in guarantees is in the
ballpark for the Eagles.
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Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is a fan of veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett from their time with the Colts.
Sirianni will be reunited with Brissett, although not as the Eagles’ veteran backup after the player agreed to a contract with the Washington Commanders. Brissett could compete with Sam Howell for the No. 1 job.
The Eagles still will need a veteran backup and Marcus Mariota might be serviceable, although by the time you read this he may be off the market.
A couple of years ago Mariota
played on a one-year $3.5 million pact that could have bumped up to more than $8 million with incentives.
This quarterback backup market is pricier, though.
Mike White agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract to back up Tua Tagovailoa in Miami, Case Keenum to a two-year, $6.25 million deal ($4 million guaranteed) with the Houston Texans.
Taylor Heinicke got a twoyear, $14 million pact with Atlanta.
Sam Darnold (one year, $4.5 million) is with the 49ers, Baker Mayfield (one year, $4 million) with the Buccaneers.
Jarrett Stidham got a twoyear, $10 million contract with the Broncos, Andy Dalton a two-year, $10 million pact with the Panthers, who are going to select a quarterback with the first pick in the draft.
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Miles Sanders, who led the Eagles with 1,269 yards rushing last season, waved goodbye to Eagles fans on Twitter Wednesday, the club having signed running backs Rashad Penny and Boston Scott to contracts. Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network and
NFL.com reported that the former Penn State standout has agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers. No details were reported on the length or amount of the deal.
“To the city of Philadelphia Thank You from the bottom of my heart,” Sanders said.
The Eagles’ unsigned free agents include Gardner-Johnson, guard Isaac Seumalo, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew and defensive linemen Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh.