The offseason is here. Players are being franchise-tagged, and the list of those set to hit the open market is taking shape. That means we, Baltimore Ravens fans, can start imagining what our squad would look like with some of these players. Well, one of those possibilities might actually be perfect for the Ravens.
Darius Slay was released from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, saving the team $4.3 million, per Adam Schefter.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2025Eagles are releasing six-time Pro-Bowl CB Darius Slay, per sources.
If he is designated a post-June 1 release, the Eagles will save $4.3 million against the cap. pic.twitter.com/tUq4ScIK79
The Ravens are in the market for defensive backs, with Brandon Stephens set to hit free agency and no signs of an extension in the works. Meanwhile, Marcus Williams could also be on his way out after a disappointing season that saw him benched for Ar’Darius Washington. Washington took over and never looked back.
The six-time Pro Bowler Slay could also save the Ravens from making a move like trading for Green Bay's Jaire Alexander—if those rumors have any truth to them.
The Ravens have a history of signing veteran defensive backs who make an impact. Some of the notable names they've brought in over the years include Deion Sanders, Corey Graham, Samari Rolle, Eric Weddle, and Rod Woodson.
Darius Slay should have been a Raven in 2023
Just two years ago, Slay was a free agent and came close to signing with Baltimore. He recalled the experience on his podcast:
"I was almost a Baltimore Raven. But I stayed an Eagle. I knew me and Howie [Roseman] were going to figure something out. But the Baltimore Ravens were the first team that called me. They offered me just what I wanted, and I just said, hey, if the Eagles do that, I'm gonna stay an Eagle."
It wouldn't be surprising if Eric DeCosta is once again the first to reach out to Slay—not just as a contributor but as a mentor for young players like Nate Wiggins and Ar’Darius Washington.
If the Ravens go in a different direction, plenty of other options are on the table.
The team has already been linked to a potential trade for Jaire Alexander, which would reunite him with his former college teammate Lamar Jackson. Alexander remains a top-tier corner when healthy, but his injury history and contract situation make him a risky investment.
Another option could be targeting a veteran safety like Tyrann Mathieu, who has been floated as a potential trade candidate from the Saints. Pairing Mathieu with Kyle Hamilton would give the Ravens one of the most dynamic safety duos in the league, but his age and price tag could be concerns.
If the Ravens prefer to go younger, the draft is filled with potential solutions. Shavon Revel Jr., Darien Porter, and Azareye’h Thomas all fit the mold of what Baltimore typically looks for in a defensive back—long, physical, and disruptive.
With so many avenues to improve the secondary, the Ravens have no excuse not to get it right this time.
