THE TAKE
So much respect for Slay. I hope Eagles fans realize he was the best cornerback the franchise had in over 15 years.
A position we constantly swung and missed on, but Slay saved the day.
#FlyEaglesFly
BOLDNESS
15/100
GRADE
82/100
PLAYERS / TEAMS
Darius Slay
GRADING CRITERIA
TRUE IF
historical analysis of Eagles cornerbacks from roughly 2010-2026 supports Slay as the top performer by advanced metrics (PFF grade, Pro Bowl selections, coverage grade, interceptions) compared to all other CBs on the roster during that span.
FALSE IF
another Eagles CB during that window demonstrably outperformed Slay by consensus advanced metrics.
vaguerecency bias
OUTCOME
CONFIRMED TRUEHistorical analysis clearly supports Slay as the best Eagles CB from roughly 2010–2026. No Eagles CB in that window came close to his accolades: three Pro Bowls as an Eagle, consistent top-25% PFF coverage grades, 56 passes defended and 9 interceptions in Philly, and he was widely cited as having 'put together one of the better runs at cornerback in Eagles history' (ESPN). The claim that the Eagles 'constantly swung and missed' at CB before Slay is also well-supported — one outlet noted that prior to the 2020 Slay trade 'the backfield had been a mess' and the Eagles had not used a first-round pick on CB since 2002. Slay officially retired on March 16, 2026, the same day the take was made, adding emotional resonance to Acho's tribute.