Could Darius Slay Return to the Lions? The Door Might Be Open
The Detroit Lions entered the 2024 season with one goal in mind: winning their first Super Bowl. They had the roster, the momentum, and the belief that this was their year. With a 12-5 record—tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best in the league—everything seemed to be falling into place.
Then came the playoffs.
Despite all their regular-season success, the Lions were stunned in the divisional round by the Washington Commanders, ending their season far earlier than expected. It was a gut punch for a fanbase that had waited decades to see their team reach the top. Now, as the Lions shift their focus to the 2025 season, they’re looking for ways to bolster the roster and ensure they don’t come up short again.
And one former Lion might just be open to a reunion.
Darius Slay Keeps the Possibility Alive
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown recently had former Detroit cornerback Darius Slay on his podcast, and naturally, the topic of a potential homecoming came up. Slay, who just won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, made it clear that he still plans to play for at least another season, possibly more.
When asked directly about the possibility of returning to the Lions, Slay didn’t give a firm yes or no—but he also didn’t shut the door. That alone was enough to spark some excitement among Detroit fans.
Slay was a fan favorite during his time in Detroit, spending seven seasons with the team from 2013 to 2019 before being traded to Philadelphia. During his tenure with the Lions, he established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, earning three Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro nod in 2017.
Would Slay Fit in Detroit’s Plans?
If the Lions are serious about making another Super Bowl push, adding a veteran presence like Slay could be a smart move. The team made strides defensively in 2024, but their secondary still had moments of inconsistency. Bringing in a player with Slay’s experience and championship pedigree could help solidify the back end of their defense.
Of course, there are factors to consider. Slay is under contract with the Eagles for 2025, so any move would require either a trade or a release from Philadelphia. His cap hit is substantial, and Detroit would need to determine whether the financials make sense.
Still, with free agency and potential roster moves looming, the idea of a Slay-Lions reunion isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. If the opportunity arises, Detroit could seriously consider bringing back one of their former stars to help them finally get over the hump.
Would you want to see Slay back in a Lions uniform? Let us know in the comments!
Eagles’ Darius Slay Considers Return to Detroit for Final NFL Season
