Report: Philadephia called Dallas Cowboys about potential Darius Slade trade

When you hear the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles mentioned in the same sentence, your first instinct is to assume the rivalry is being discussed. Your last thought would be the two potentially working a trade out together, especially for a big-named player such as cornerback Darius Slay.

Well, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer, a phone call happened between the two on Tuesday. Archer said Philadelphia called Dallas about potentially taking Slay but alas, no deal was worked out. The Cowboys instead made a different move, working with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire Stephon Gilmore.

“Stephon Gilmore wasn’t the only veteran CB talked about in a trade,” Archer said. “Source said the Eagles made a call to the Cowboys about Darius Slay.”

Slay will be entering the final year of a three-year deal with Philadelphia but with the way the contract is structured, he brings cap space through the 2026 season. If the Eagles, or anyone who trades for the cornerback, decides to cut Slay, they would be facing over $12 million in dead cap for the 2024 season. The number gets cut in half in 2025.

Philadelphia will continue to shop around Slay for financial reasons. However, deciding to call your biggest rival is an interesting strategy. Never count out general manager Howie Roseman being able to do something strategic to improve his Super Bowl chances.

Dallas, Philadelphia no strangers to trading with one another

The last trade between Dallas and Philadelphia is not too far in the rearview mirror, occurring during the 2021 NFL Draft. Both teams most likely would say they are happy with the end result after two seasons.

Philadelphia decided they wanted to move up in the first round, aiming for Dallas’ No. 10 overall pick. For the price of No. 12 and a third-round pick, the Eagles were able to move up two spots and select wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Since then, the former Heisman Trophy winner has nearly 2,000 receiving yards in two seasons.

Dallas was able to land their own star player, selecting linebacker Micah Parsons out of Penn State. He has since moved into a pass-rush role and at times, dominated the league. Parsons has become a fan favorite and will be the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future.

Chauncey Goulston was the third-round selection for Dallas on Friday in April 2021. A rare, win-win scenario for two franchises — especially for bitter NFC East rivals.