Darius Slay Open to a Return to the Lions in 2025
In a surprising turn of events, veteran cornerback Darius Slay has expressed his willingness to return to the Detroit Lions in 2025. Slay, who spent seven seasons with the Lions from 2013 to 2019, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. However, with his contract set to expire after the 2024 season, Slay is now open to a potential reunion with his former team.
Slay’s comments came during a recent interview, where he praised the Lions organization and expressed his gratitude for the time he spent in Detroit. “I loved my time in Detroit,” Slay said. “The fans, the organization, everything was great. If the opportunity presents itself, I’d definitely be open to returning.”
Slay’s potential return to the Lions would be a significant boost to the team’s secondary. Despite his age, Slay remains one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, with a reputation for his shutdown coverage and ball-hawking skills. In 2022, Slay recorded three interceptions and 14 passes defensed, earning him a Pro Bowl selection.
The Lions, who have been rebuilding their roster in recent years, could certainly use a veteran presence like Slay in their secondary. With a young core of players, including cornerback Jeff Okudah and safety Kerby Joseph, Slay’s experience and leadership could be invaluable in helping to develop the team’s defensive backfield.
While Slay’s comments are certainly intriguing, it’s worth noting that the Lions would need to make some significant roster moves to accommodate his salary. Slay is set to earn $17 million in 2024, and it’s unlikely that the Lions would be willing to pay him that much in 2025.
However, if the Lions are able to clear some cap space and make a competitive offer, it’s possible that Slay could be persuaded to return to Detroit. For now, Slay’s comments are certainly a tantalizing prospect for Lions fans, who would love to see the veteran cornerback back in Honolulu blue.
As the NFL offseason approaches, the Lions will likely be busy making roster moves and evaluating their options in free agency. While it’s unclear whether Slay will ultimately return to the Lions, his willingness to consider a reunion is certainly a positive development for the team. With a little creativity and some smart roster management, it’s possible that Slay could be back in Detroit in 2025, helping to lead the Lions to a playoff berth.