Darius Slay Honoring Kobe Bryant With Eagles Number Choice

Former Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay was finally granted his wish of a trade and was sent to the Philadelphia Eagles for a pair of draft picks. Given the change in city and defensive philosophy, things will be much different for Slay in 2020. However, the former Mississippi State star seems to be embracing his fresh start, now that his old No. 23 is also a thing of the past.

Slay, who just signed a new contract in Philadelphia, will change his number to No. 24 with the Eagles as a way of paying homage to former Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

If there's any place that Kobe is revered more than Los Angeles, it's Philadelphia, where he was a star for Lower Merion High School.

A Pro Bowler who has 13 interceptions and 56 passes defensed over the last three seasons, Slay joining the Philadelphia secondary could have a transformative effect on their entire defense given his man coverage skills.

No matter what number he wears, Slay figures to be the best cornerback the Eagles have had in a long time. Finally, Jim Schwartz, who drafted and coached Slay in Detroit, can trust someone to lock down the opposing No. 1 wide receiver.