The Philadelphia Eagles’ victory celebration following Super Bowl LIX is quickly turning into a transitional period, as they make bold moves within their roster. Veteran cornerback Darius Slay, a defensive stalwart for five years, is set to part ways with the team.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Eagles have decided to release Slay as a post-June 1 cut, which will free up $4.3 million in cap space. It’s a significant decision that may yet have ripple effects across the league, not least for the Baltimore Ravens, who previously came close to securing Slay’s signature.

In a revealing moment on the “Pulp Fiction” podcast last offseason, Slay disclosed how he nearly became a Raven. It was Eagles’ security chief Dom DiSandro, renowned for his high-profile sideline altercation with 49ers’ Dre Greenlaw in 2023, who played a key role in Slay’s decision to remain in Philadelphia.

“Dom is the reason I came back to Philly,” Slay candidly shared. His loyalty to the Eagles was rewarded with a Super Bowl ring, a crowning achievement in his celebrated career.

With Slay now on the open market, the opportunity for the Ravens to resume talks is rife with potential. Adding a player of Slay’s caliber could significantly bolster Baltimore’s secondary, which struggled last season allowing the second-highest passing yards per game despite an elite run defense. As a potential mentor to younger players like former rookie Nate Wiggins, Slay’s experience and play-making ability would be invaluable for defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s scheme.

As he explores free agency, Slay’s résumé speaks volumes: 28 career interceptions, five defensive touchdowns, and six Pro Bowl appearances make him a coveted veteran presence. Whether in purple and black or elsewhere, his next chapter promises to be an intriguing storyline to follow.

Stay tuned with Baltimore Ravens On SI for all the latest updates, in-depth interviews, expert film breakdowns, and more as we navigate through an exciting offseason.