As trade rumors swirled around him, Darius Slay spent most of his day off Tuesday playing video games. Call of Duty, 2K, PUBG -- the usual stuff. He certainly wasn't stressing over his fate as the 4 p.m. deadline approached.
It passed without much drama, which was just as well for Slay, who said last week he wouldn't care if the Lions traded him and echoed that sentiment Wednesday.
"I didn't care if they did, that's the thing. The whole time you guys didn't understand that I didn't care if I (got traded). It is what it is, it's a business. I just want to play ball and try to win games," Slay said.
The Lions weren't shopping Slay, but teams were calling on him after he seemed to distance himself from the organization last week. The Eagles, in particular, were said to have serious interest. But the Lions set a high asking price and wouldn't come down, so that was that.
While Slay will be here for the rest of this season, it's fair to wonder if his time with the Lions is nearing its end. He struck out on an extension in the offseason, and he said Wednesday there has "not really" been any progress in those talks. He's signed through 2020, but the Lions could look to trade him after this season.
Slay and his family have made Detroit home, and his wife tweeted her excitement once Tuesday's trade deadline passed.
The Slay's ain't going no where!!!-- Detroit is home!♥️
— Jennifer Slay (@Jennwilliams23) October 29, 2019Asked how long he wants Detroit to remain home, Slay said, "As long as the Lions want me."
Does he want to spend his whole career here?
"I wouldn't mind playing my whole career here," he said. "Who wouldn't want to play on just one team? But it's a whole business. I mean, I hope so."
Slay, 28, is in his seventh NFL season. If he hits the free agent market after next season, he'll be one of the top corners available. A second big payday will be in order. Or he could try to cash in with the Lions before that happens.
But Slay said he hasn't given these variables much thought.
"I ain't really think about the future," he said. "Only future I think about is with my family. This sports life, it comes and goes, so my future ain't that long in it."
Asked how long he wants to play, Slay laughed and said nowhere close to 20 years, like legendary defensive backs Rod Woodson and Charles Woodson. 10 years, he said, "is a great number." That's how long Glover Quin, one of Slay's mentors, played before retiring after last season.
"Whatever the lord blessed me with. How I'm feeling in year 10, depending on it, but 20, for sure no," said Slay. "Way less than 20."
2022 will mark year 10 for Slay, which isn't so far off. It's hard to believe, but he's likely closer to the end of his career than the start. He still acts like a kid, still plays like a kid, with enthusiasm for every snap. And he's still at the top of his game, as far as he's concerned.
"I've played great (this year). Couple plays, couple plays, but other than that I think I been balling my ass off," Slay said. "Easily."
It's hard to argue with him. And yet despite Slay's consistent excellence, the Lions have been mostly mediocre throughout his career. They've made just two trips to the playoffs, both of which ended quickly, and they appear headed for another miss this season.
For a player as competitive as Slay, the losing has to take a toll -- which was perhaps part of the reason for his indifference toward a potential trade.
"Losing's always frustrating," he said. "It is what it is, though. I just do my best to try to bring wins, but I don't like losing at all. I'm very competitive. My kids can't even beat me at nothing yet, and they will never."
It's this kind of youthful attitude that has endeared Slay to his fans, and the feeling is mutual. He broke into a smile when asked about their support.
"I'm pretty loved by the fans. I love the fans here, they're awesome. I be doing it for them. They're a good fan base. I love the support they give me and I just like to support the city. That's why I do what I do, for the city," said Slay.
He'd like to be here for the rest of his career, whether it's another three years or another five, but part of that decision is out of his hands. If the Lions want him to stay, great. Pay up. If not, all good.
He'll move onto the next city and the next team.
