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From Detroit to Philly: The Full Story of the Darius Slay Trade
It’s been five years since Darius Slay packed his bags and left Detroit for Philadelphia. A lot has changed since that trade — for Slay, for the Lions, and for the Eagles. So how did the deal actually turn out?
Let’s rewind the clock and break it all down.
Why Slay Was Traded in the First Place
Back in 2020, Darius Slay was coming off three straight Pro Bowl seasons and an All-Pro nod. At 29 years old, the star cornerback wanted a new contract — but the Lions weren’t willing to meet his price.
So, instead of extending their longtime CB1, Detroit shipped him off to the Eagles in a move that raised eyebrows across the league.
The Trade Terms: What Each Team Got
Here’s how the deal looked on paper:
- Eagles received: CB Darius Slay
- Lions received: 2020 3rd-round pick (No. 85) and 5th-round pick (No. 166)
At the time, it seemed like a fair haul for a player heading into his 30s. But what the Lions did next with those picks shaped the future of the trade.
How Detroit Used the Picks
Detroit didn’t actually use pick No. 85 directly. Instead, they bundled it with two other picks to move up in the draft:
- Traded picks 85, 149, and 182 to the Colts
- Got back picks 75 and 197
With those selections, the Lions drafted:
- Jonah Jackson (75) – A solid starter on the offensive line, Jackson made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and started 61 games for Detroit over four seasons. He later signed with the Rams in 2024 but unfortunately landed on IR after just four games.
- John Penisini (197) – A rotational defensive lineman who started 12 games as a rookie but struggled to keep his role in later seasons. He left Detroit for Carolina in 2023.
- Quintez Cephus (166) – A depth receiver who showed promise early with 553 yards and 4 TDs over two seasons but was released after an injury-shortened 2022 campaign.
So, while the Lions didn’t land a superstar, they did get some solid (if short-lived) contributors.
Slay’s Run with the Eagles
Darius Slay didn’t waste time making an impact in Philly. He started 14 games in his first season and only got better. From 2021 to 2023, he earned three straight Pro Bowl nods and became a key leader on a defense that reached the pinnacle.
Slay helped guide the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances, including one victory, and was a stabilizing force through four consecutive playoff runs. Even though his play dipped a bit in 2024, he was still a key figure on a championship-caliber squad.
In 2023, Philly rewarded him with a two-year extension. But salary cap concerns caught up with them, and Slay was released before the 2025 season. He’s now with the Steelers — still a respected veteran presence.
So… Who Won the Trade?
This is where things get a bit nuanced.
Detroit turned Slay into a Pro Bowl guard (Jackson) and a couple of role players. They also avoided the risk of giving big money to an aging corner. That’s a win in its own right — especially during a rebuilding phase.
But the Eagles clearly got more out of the deal. Slay was an elite contributor on a defense that dominated for years and helped bring home a Lombardi Trophy. He started 73 games, made three Pro Bowls, and earned every bit of his $66.2 million contract.
So yeah, nobody lost. But if we’re keeping score? Philadelphia wins this one.
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