After signing running back Saquon Barkley last offseason, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman may be preparing to make another splash.
On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted the Eagles are cutting six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay. Per Schefter, Slay will be designated with a post-June 1 release, saving Philadelphia $4.3M in cap space.
Perhaps Philadelphia is saving cap space to try to acquire Cleveland Browns edge-rusher Myles Garrett, who has requested a trade. The Athletic's Dianna Russini recently reported the Eagles have "real interest" in the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year.
According to Spotrac co-founder Michael Ginnitti, a team that acquired Garrett would absorb $44.8M in salary over the next two seasons. The 29-year-old is also entering the fourth year of a five-year, $125M deal in 2025, so he'll probably seek an extension.
Spotrac estimates the Eagles have $17.7M in cap room in 2025, which wouldn't be enough for a Garrett extension. His projected market value is a four-year deal worth $34.3M annually.
Along with Slay, Philadelphia may have to move on from some of its other stars to save cap room for a Garrett deal.
"Linebacker Zack Baun was a free-agent gem Roseman found last offseason, but he is now poised to cash in," Russini wrote. "Baun, edge-rusher Josh Sweat, defensive tackle Milton Williams and guard Mekhi Becton headline Philly's free-agent class, and bringing all or even some of them back could prove challenging, especially if Garrett enters the picture — and you can be certain Roseman will have Philly in the conversation for Garrett."
Losing these free agents would be costly for the Eagles. Many played a key role for the reigning Super Bowl champions, including Baun. In 16 regular-season games, he tied for third in the league in solo tackles (93), earning a first-team All-Pro nod.
However, a player of Garrett's caliber would make up for some of these departures. Per Pro Football Reference, he ranks eighth among active players in sacks (102.5).
Don't be surprised if the Eagles make more cost-cutting moves before the start of the league year on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. They seem to be targeting Garrett, who could help them hoist another Lombardi Trophy.
Clark Dalton
Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.
