Howie Roseman has until 4 p.m. today to improve a roster that is only 4-4, and one area he seems to be focusing on is cornerback -- with an eye on a certain player in Detroit.
Related: NFL Trade Deadline: Eagles live tracker
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Eagles are making a push to land cornerback Darius Slay from the Detroit Lions, the latest in what has been a fairly aggressive push from Roseman to trade for a cornerback.
Per Mortensen, via Bleeding Green Nation:
"Remember, the Eagles offered a one and a two for Jalen Ramsey, a cornerback. So, therefore, what other top corners are available? They're taking a shot at Darius Slay, of the Lions, but the price tag on Slay is very, very high. So maybe a more realistic one would be something like Chris Harris from the Broncos. But the Eagles are expected to be aggressive here, but reasonable."
Slay, six-foot, 190 pounds, is a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback that was also named to an All-Pro team in 2017, the season he was tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with eight. The 28-year old, who will be 29 on Jan. 1, has played in 94 NFL games in his seven-year career. He has missed only seven games in his first six seasons, but has dealt with hamstring issues this season.
What it will take to land Slay is not clear, but it is safe to say it won't take the first-and-second round picks that Roseman offered for Ramsey. Multiple reports suggest, however, that the Lions are looking for at least one first-round pick for Slay. Roseman being willing to give up that kind of draft capital for Slay is unlikely, considering he is four-years older than Ramsey was. Slay is under contract through the 2020 season, and would count about $5 million against the Eagles cap this season, and is currently set to count for about $10 million next year.
The Eagles have a long-term need at cornerback, with both Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby set to become free agents this offseason. Slay would give the team some stability at the position going forward, but considering the needs the team has on the defensive line going forward, it might not be wise to invest so much -- potentially a first-or-second round pick plus $10 million in cap space -- into the cornerback position. Although the corners have struggled, the real issue with the Eagles' defense when it has struggled has been the pass rush. Saving some resources to improve the pass rush might be a better idea than trying to make a quick-fix in the secondary.
Still, there is no denying Slay is a very talented player -- making Roseman's decision before the trade deadline expires today a complicated one.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
