The Detroit Lions' secondary saw a vast improvement during the 2024 season. The unit's improvement is credited to the new additions at cornerback. Last offseason. Detroit traded for Carlton Davis, signed Amik Robertson, and drafted Terrion Arnold. Those three made Detroit's secondary look better despite the fact they still let up the fifth most passing yards (4,404) of any defense in 2024.
Unfortunately, Detroit is likely to lose Davis in free agency this offseason. That said, one former Lions cornerback who may be a cap casualty this offseason is open to a return to the Motor City.
On the latest episode of The St. Brown Podcast, Darius Slay spoke about his future in the NFL. The 34-year-old told the St. Brown brothers that if he doesn't return to Philadelphia next season, he would love to come back to Detroit.
Darius Slay open to returning to Detroit for one last season https://t.co/LoJX14VNUg pic.twitter.com/MylrUjXfhC
— The Lions Wire (@thelionswire) February 19, 2025
Darius Slay Could Reunite With the Lions This Offseason
"For sure the two spots I would love to always be at is Philly or Detroit,"Darius Slay
Slay last played for Detroit in 2019. That season, Slay recorded 46 tackles, 13 pass deflections, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. Moreover, Slay struggled in coverage, recording a 56.9 grade, according to PFF.
Even with PFF suggesting he struggled in coverage, Slay still made the Pro Bowl in 2019. Yet, Detroit still came to the decision to move on from Slay. Since leaving, Slay has been a Pro Bowler in three of five seasons with the Eagles.
Although he didn't achieve that in 2024, the 34-year-old had a decent season. Slay recorded 49 tackles, 13 pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery this year. Furthermore, Slay earned a 68.9 coverage grade (52nd out of 223), according to PFF. Production like this proves that Slay still has something left in the tank.
Nevertheless, over the past two seasons, he has had injury concerns. In 2023, Slay missed five games due to a knee injury. Then, in 2024, he missed three games because of a knee and groin injury.
While Lions fans would welcome Slay back with open arms, Detroit would need a backup plan in case he gets hurt again. Regardless, tracking Slay's next move this offseason is definitely an interesting storyline to watch.