The Lions and cornerback Darius Slay continue to discuss a long-term deal, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. However, it does not sound like the two sides are particularly close to an agreement, and Fowler says Detroit could look to trade the 29-year-old if a new contract is not in place in the coming weeks.
Of course, Slay’s name came up frequently in trade rumors in advance of October’s deadline, and he skipped voluntary and mandatory work last spring in an effort to get a new contract. He did report to training camp on time, but he was vocal about his displeasure over the team’s trade of Quandre Diggs, and shortly thereafter he said he didn’t care if he was traded himself.
But he walked back those comments (to some degree) about a week later, saying he would be open to spending his entire career in the Motor City. However, Fowler points out that the Lions and Slay have been working on a new deal for some time, and they still seem to have a fair amount of negotiating to do.
Since he plays a premium position and just earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod, Slay is surely aiming for a contract that will put him near the top of the CB market. That would mean a yearly rate of about $15MM and guarantees in the $40-50MM range. Slay’s current contract, which expires at the end of next season, would pay him $10MM in salary in 2020, with workout and roster bonuses that could push that figure closer to $10.5MM
In 2019, Slay picked up two interceptions, 13 passes defensed and 46 tackles.
Locker room cancer, bye bye
Just because he speaks his mind doesn’t make him a locker room cancer. Slay is the lion that gives the most back to the community of Detroit. He is always randomly showing up to kids schools and games and talking to the kids and giving out autographs. He donates a lot of money to the communities around Michigan and spends his own personal time doing it. The lions wouldn’t just be losing one of the best corners in the league but a great guy in the community
The Lions aren’t trading Slay when the GM & Coach face a win or be fired ultimatum for 2020. There’s nobody on the team to replace him and the secondary is a major weakness. It doesn’t get better without him.
They might draft Jeff Okudah who would be slays replacement but like you said their secondary is weak and they could benefit from having slay play with Okudah
Slay is a fading and aging talent with a big mouth and a bad attitude. Move on Detroit. He isn’t that good.