Are the Seahawks and Darius Slay a good match?

Improving the roster never stops in the NFL, especially for the Seahawks. Would  Lions cornerback Darius Slay be a good fit in Seattle?

The Seahawks always have their eyes open for any player that could improve the team. Look no further than the trade for Duane Brown in 2017 or the addition of D.J. Fluker in 2018 to bolster the offensive line. Since Justin Coleman signed for big bucks with the Lions in the offseason, the Hawks could use some depth at cornerback. Oddly enough, Seattle could find bring back that depth and competition from Detroit in Darius Slay.

Slay is a two-time Pro Bowler, and was an All-Pro in 2017 when he tied for the league lead in interceptions (eight) and led in pass defenses (26). He’s been one of the better corners in the NFL for several years now. So why would the Lions possibly trade him? As 12s are all too familiar, it comes down to money. You’re shocked, I know.

Slay wants a contract extension. We’ve been there with Russell Wilson and are going through it with Bobby Wagner and Jarran Reed. The twist here is that Slay has not one, but two years left on his current deal. As Steven Mullenax wrote for our friends at sidelionreport.com a few days ago, Slay already swung a pretty sweet deal in 2016. $50 million over four years would make most people pretty happy.

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Would Slay fit Seahawks off the field?

This being the NFL, what was big in 2016 is now just okay in 2019. He’s 13th on the totem pole now and isn’t happy about it. As Mr. Mullenax reported, Slay sat out voluntary OTA’s in protest. Now it appears he won’t report for mandatory minicamp next week. Obviously, Mr. Slay wants to be paid and paid now. Should Seattle pay him?

First, let’s see how good a fit is he for the Seahawks? On the field, he’d be terrific. He’s played at both left and right corner, although one would assume Ken Norton Jr. would try the Pro Bowler on the left side. That would put the heat on Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers, especially Griffin. Griffin could possibly move to the slot corner. Regardless, the motto is Always Compete, right?

But off the field, I don’t see the fit at all. According to spotrac.com, Slay’s cap hit in 2019 is almost $16 million and will be $13.4 million in 2020. As a reminder, the Seahawks let Coleman walk because they didn’t feel they could afford him. His average salary now is $9 million. And Slay wants more. So why exactly would the Hawks let Coleman – a player they were very happy with –  to bring in a player who wants at least $5 million more per year?

Most of all, Slay will undoubtedly want another extension in a couple of years. When his new contract is left in the dust, he’ll probably sit out of OTAs and skip minicamp again. We’ve gone through holdouts already with Earl Thomas. I think we’ve all had enough of it. Sorry, but no thanks to Mr. Slay.