In the past, Darius Slay has expressed a desire to remain with the Lions – albeit, with a contract that reflects his true value. But, after two years of unfruitful extension talks, Slay would welcome a fresh start elsewhere, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler (Twitter link) hears. 
Earlier this week, we learned that multiple clubs have reached out with interest in the Pro Bowl cornerback. The identities of those clubs are not yet known, but we can take some educated guesses on the suitors. The Eagles, who tried to swing a pre-deadline trade for Slay after whiffing on Jalen Ramsey, have a clear need for him. The Broncos, who could be on the verge of parting ways with pending free agent Chris Harris, would also make lots of sense. Ditto clubs for the Colts – who have the cap flexibility to give Slay the deal that he wants – and the Texans.
Slay has one year to go on his four-year, $48MM deal with Detroit. He’s slated to earn a base salary of $10MM this year, well below his true value. He’s not coming off of his best season, but he’s played as one of the league’s best cover men in the past. In 2017, he notched a league-leading eight interceptions and 26 passes defensed. It was near impossible to match those numbers in 2018, of course, but he still turned in a strong year with three picks and finished out as a top 25 cornerback in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus’ metrics.
Beyond the dollar amounts, there could also be some hurt feelings between the Lions and their top cornerback. Last year, Slay was vocal about his displeasure with the club’s trade of Quandre Diggs. Later, when asked about the possibility of being traded himself, Slay said that he “personally wouldn’t care.”
Darius Slay is probably at the edge of a cliff in terms of performance drop-off. Cornerbacks peak early and lose a step early. Whoever hands a high value long term guaranteed contract to Darius Slay will likely regret any year after year two.
Even if your right the Lions front office could do a lot better at rewarding their top performers. I can’t image too many FAs being lured to Detroit knowing how hard it is to get some respect from the ownership there.
Exactly. He’s still great, but he’s regressed a little each of the past two seasons. He better have an incredible 2020 if he wants a new, big deal.
Colts would be a nice team from him. They have a bunch of good players that aren’t exactly old but I bet their first priority will be Quaterback
The Lions should trade him now when he is healthy and not spouting off in the locker room, it’s just a negative situation. Draft the back from Ohio State and move on
Locker room cancer. Get rid of him while he still has value