Philadelphia Eagles Moving on From Veteran Defensive Players

In spite of the fantastic play of their Eagles’ defense during the 2024 season changes are being made. On the defensive side of the ball it looks to be that Philadelphia wants to get younger. And so the Philadelphia Eagles are moving on from veteran defensive players. Therefore, one day after releasing cornerback Darius Slay, Jr. today they released defensive back James Bradberry IV. Casualties are always expected this time of year as the roster rebuilding work begins.

We know that “Big Play” Slay has had an outstanding NFL career five of which he spent with the Eagles. However, he was designated a post-June 1 cut which would save Philly $4.3 million on the salary cap in 2025. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2013 NFL Draft in the second round with the 36th overall pick spending seven seasons with them. In March 2020 he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a third-round and fifth-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a new three-year deal with the Eagles worth $50 million including $30 million guaranteed.

Now, Slay will have to find a new home. Where will the recent Super Bowl winner land? One place could be the Pittsburgh Steelers. That would reunite Slay with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin who he spent time with in Detroit. Or he could end up with division rivals Washington Commanders as they could use some help at the cornerback position. And then there are the Buffalo Bills who were a bottom-10 pass defense in the league last season. Slay could provide better production and his Super Bowl winning experience to a team that has struggled to get to the big game. At any rate, it seems likely that some team will snatch him up.

Philadelphia Eagles Moving on From Veteran Defensive Players

As for James Bradberry, he came into the league in 2016 when he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers. The Eagles signed him to a one-year deal in May 2022 and then in March 2023 signed Bradberry to a three–year, $38.00 million contract extension with $20.00 million guaranteed. He was injured in practice before the start of the 2024 season suffering a torn Achilles and Soleus muscle. He was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2024. If he is signed by another team he will be entering his 10th NFL season.

But even with the loss of these two veterans there’s no need to feel sorry for the Eagles. They have two talented young cornerbacks on the rise, former rookie Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship. If their 2024 season is any indication, the Eagles defensive backs will be just fine.

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