As I mentioned, keep an eye on Slay:
https://x.com/DetroitPodcast/status/1892232513164128394
1 Like
34 
Both he and Stephon Gilmore are 34 and I would want as backstop / bridge cb’s.
Capable of competing for a starting position but primarily as insurance for injury and depth for a Super Bowl capable team.
Based on my interpretation of Shep’s unprompted mention of Rake in his interview, I think they have plans for Rake to start.
Sure. But both Gilmore and Slay were primarily zone guys last year, right? Slay does look more spry but I still doubt him holding up the way we play.
Slay’s roots are pure M2M.
He has learned to play zone over the years.
Fangio is mostly a zone guy but does mix coverages and plays some M2M on the outside.
My bigger concern with Slay and the Lions is his Grit and tackling.
But to play for Fangio you have be physical and tackle.
I have no concern about Slay and being able to cover M2M.
I understand his roots. But he’s 34 years old. I suspect that whatever degradation has occurred has been somewhat concealed by him getting to play zone last year.
True he is 34 and thus the idea of signing him to only compete for a starting position.
If he is better than Rake, Amik, and potential rookie, he would start outside, if not, he won’t.
Just as Amik had to come in an earn a starting position last year.
Slay was the a starting CB on the #1 defense in football.
Slay is also an experienced vet with Super Bowl experience for mentorship of young DB’s.
If the price is right and he’s part of a multifaceted plan as you are suggesting than I’m fine with it. He was one of my favorite Lions of that era and from all accounts is an awesome dude. Also seems like the type to pour himself into Terrion and Ennis’ development.
2 Likes
The higher than expected salary cap might make it more feasible to bring back CD3, but I still doubt it will happen.
On the other hand, I don’t see Holmes just riding it out with TA, Rake, and Amik either.
Holmes has said he uses Free agency to fill holes so I expect he will sign a vet CB and Safety prior to the draft with the loss of Moseley, Dorsey, and pending free agency of CD3, Iffy, and Vildor.
It could be our on in CD3 & Iffy, but expect new faces.
I see Holmes adding a CB to the room through the draft for depth and in case Amik isn’t extended after 2025.
Slay comes in for a year and then slides into a secondary coach position after the season(assistant DB with Townsend unless Townsend leaves next year for a higher position)
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.