Five years have passed since the Detroit Lions traded star cornerback Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2020. At the time, the move was a polarizing one. Slay, a three-time Pro Bowler and elite cornerback, was vocal about his dissatisfaction with Detroit’s management. The Lions, under then-GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia, opted to trade Slay for a third- and fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
In retrospect, the trade marked a turning point for both franchises. For Philadelphia, Slay proved to be a stabilizing force in the secondary. He earned two more Pro Bowl selections, served as a leader on and off the field, and played a key role in the Eagles’ run to Super Bowl LVII. His coverage skills, leadership, and consistency helped solidify a defense that became one of the league’s best.
Detroit’s return was less impactful. The third-round pick was used to draft Jonah Jackson, who developed into a solid starter on the offensive line, while the fifth-rounder had minimal long-term impact. The Lions entered a rebuilding phase shortly after, and the Slay trade is often cited as emblematic of the disconnect between players and the previous regime.
Ultimately, the trade worked out best for Slay and the Eagles. It also marked a necessary, if painful, shift for Detroit toward a more player-friendly culture under new leadership. With hindsight, the trade reflected a broader evolution for both teams.
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