The Eagles reportedly released veteran CB Darius Slay with a post-June 1 designation earlier this week, but there’s talk that both sides haven’t completely closed the door on the team captain returning to Philly in 2025. Slay confirmed as much to former Eagles defender Emmanuel Acho on Wednesday.

Acho asked Slay if everything is equal in terms of money and contract between the Eagles and other free agent landing spots, where would the CB want to play next year.

“Oh man, if the money’s equal and everything is equal, it’s Philly for sure. It could be whatever as long as the money’s nice and everything. If Philly’s doing what I want ‘em to do, we in Philly again.”

It sounds like Slay would be willing to take slightly less to stay with the Eagles, but the number will still need to be high enough to reflect what he’s worth.

Early indications were that releasing Slay was similar to how Howie Roseman and the Eagles front office have managed contracts with older players like Fletcher Cox. He tends to release a player to free up cap space and then work out a deal that’s a bit more salary cap friendly with more upfront/signing money to equal things out.

Slay has had his ups and downs in Philly, but there’s no doubt he played his best ball last season during the playoffs. He was monumental in the Super Bowl run and eventual victory, and his mentorship of the young guys like Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Isaiah Rodgers can’t be overlooked.

There’s a reason Slay wore a “C” on his chest and he’s a locker room favorite, so hopefully he and the Eagles are able to work something out so he can play his final season with the Birds.