All-Pro defender’s free agency confession is ultimate gut punch for Ravens fans

The Baltimore Ravens have been willing to dip their toe into some very deep free agency waters over the last few seasons, even making an effort to sign Philadelphia Eagles star cornerback Darius Slay during the 2023 offseason.

Slay seemed very close to leaving the Eagles in the offseason, as he was willing to join up with Mike Macdonald's league-best unit in pursuit of another championship. It doesn't take Vince Lombardi to see how adding one of the game's best turnover generators could have set them apart.

Ultimately, Slay returned to Philadelphia thanks to the intervention of an unlikely source. Dom DiSandro, the Eagles' chief security officer who was recently named director of gameday coaching operations, was reportedly instrumental in luring Slay back to Philly and simultaneously breaking Baltimore's heart.

In an appearance on the "Pulp Phiction" podcast, Slay said he was committed to signing with the Ravens before DiSandro convinced him to return to Philadelphia. Slay would ultimately agree to restructure the final year of his contract and sign a two-year deal with the Eagles.

Darius Slay almost signed with Baltimore Ravens in free agency

Slay has been one of the best in the league at his position, making six Pro Bowls during the last seven seasons with the Eagles and Detroit Lions. Putting him on the best defense in the league in terms of points per game allowed would have certainly helped add to Baltimore's championship odds.

Marlon Humphrey seems willing to move inside to the slot to accommodate first-round pick Nate Wiggins. Imagine if he did that last season with Slay and Brandon Stephens on the outside along with the best safety combination in the league. Perhaps they squeak past Kansas City in the AFC championship game?

There are two consolations the Ravens can take out of failing to lock up Slay. First, the Ravens have spent some of the money that would have gone to Slay on star running back Derrick Henry. Second, Baltimore was able to bring in young talent at the position by drafting Wiggins in the first round and T.J. Tampa in the fourth round.

While Slay may not be at the top of his game, he is still a worthy starter for a postseason team. Baltimore has spent the money that could have been used on Slay quite well in the last few months, but it would have been quite interesting to see how he fit in on this team.