Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay has revealed he came close to joining the Baltimore Ravens before re-signing with the NFC champions last month.

The five-time Pro Bowler – a key member of the Eagles team that lost to the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LVII – looked set to leave Philadelphia when he was given permission to discuss a trade.

Slay even appeared to bid farewell to the team's supporters on Twitter, but a remarkable U-turn saw the Eagles agree a two-year contract extension worth $42million with the 32-year-old.

That represented a major coup for Philadelphia as they bid to build on their 14-3 2022 season, but Slay has revealed a move to Baltimore was on the cards before his reversal. 

"I was almost a Baltimore Raven. This close," Slay told reporters, holding up two fingers. 

"But I wanted to be an Eagle. I stayed an Eagle because I know we were going to figure something out.

"The Baltimore Ravens were the first team that called. They offered just what I wanted. I said, 'If the Eagles do that, I'm going to stay an Eagle.' It was nice. I was almost a Raven." 

Slay made 40 tackles and three interceptions across the regular season last term, while his 14 passes defensed saw him tie for 12th in the NFL. 

It turns out that top cornerback Darius Slay is staying with the Philadelphia Eagles, after all.

Slay and the Eagles have agreed to a two-year contract extension worth a total of $42million, NFL Network reported Thursday. The deal will guarantee Slay $23m upon signing.

Keeping Slay is a major victory for the reigning NFC champions, especially after all signs had been pointing to his departure.

Last week, the Eagles gave Slay permission to seek a trade, although the five-time Pro Bowler publicly denied asking for it.

With potential trade talks stalled, NFL Network reported on Wednesday that the Eagles planned to release the 32-year-old.

On Wednesday morning, Slay tweeted, "Nothing but love Philly!! Lets see where we heading next.."

A mere 24 hours later, Slay was signed through the 2025 season. He announced his new decision on Twitter: "Back like I never left!!! Run it back."

Earlier this week, the Eagles re-signed fellow cornerback James Bradbury to a three-year, $38m contract as Philadelphia looks to keep together a core that was 14-3 last season and came up just short of a Super Bowl title.

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox remain free agents from a defense that held opposing quarterbacks to an 81.6 passer rating, the lowest in the NFC.

A second-round draft pick in 2013, Slay played his first seven NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions before being traded to the Eagles.

In 151 career games, Slay has 26 interceptions and 133 passes defended.

Darius Slay appeared to bid farewell to the Philadelphia Eagles amid reports he is set to be released.

The five-time Pro Bowl pick, who joined from the Detroit Lions ahead of the 2020 campaign, will depart after three seasons with the Eagles.

Slay was a key member of the Eagles team that reached Super Bowl LVII, and started in the 38-35 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in Arizona, making four tackles.

The 32-year-old made 40 tackles and three interceptions across the regular season, and recorded 14 passes defensed, tied for 12th in the NFL.

It looks to have been his swansong in Philadelphia, with reports circulating on Wednesday that Slay's time with the Eagles is coming to an end.

Slay appeared to confirm this news on Twitter, posting: "Nothing but love Philly! Let's see where we [are] heading next."

A second-round draft pick for Detroit in 2013, Slay impressed during his time with the Lions, though he only made two postseason appearances with them, in their 2014 and 2016 campaigns.

He jointly led the NFL for interceptions in 2017, alongside Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard.

Slay's exit will come on the heels of the Eagles keeping hold of other key cornerback in James Bradberry, who reportedly agreed a three-year deal earlier this week after entering free agency.

Philadelphia have also agreed to a one-year deal with Rashaad Penny, with the running back set to make the move from the Seattle Seahawks.

Patrick Mahomes, Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce are among those selected by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) for the 2022 All-Pro team.

It is the first time a selection has been made exclusively by players, with the most recognised All-Pro team being the one generated by votes from NFL writers and broadcasters, organised by the Associated Press.

NFLPA president J.C. Tretter issued a statement on Tuesday outlining why he felt it was important for players to have their say.

"For the first time ever, NFL players are honouring the best in the game by naming our Players' All-Pro team," he said. "Every active NFL player had the opportunity to cast their vote to decide who is really the best at each position.

"We compete against each other all season long, watching hours and hours of film week after week after week, and yet we have never had an opportunity to truly use our expertise to select the best of us.

"We think it is important that players take the time to define ourselves, because so far, we have allowed everyone else to either pick or dilute our voices."

The team was unveiled on Wednesday, with selections including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Mahomes, Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, and his team-mate Davante Adams and Minnesota Vikings' star Jefferson as wide receivers.

The Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers were the best represented teams, with four players each.

2022 Players' All-Pro Team – Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs), Running back: Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders), Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk (San Francisco 49ers), Wide receivers: Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders), Tight end: Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs), Left tackle: Trent Williams (San Francisco 49ers), Left guard: Joel Bitonio (Cleveland Browns), Center: Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles), Right guard: Zack Martin (Dallas Cowboys), Right tackle: Lane Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles), Edge rushers: Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers), Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), Interior defensive linemen: Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs), Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams), Nose tackle: Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants), Off-ball linebackers: Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers), Roquan Smith (Baltimore Ravens), Cornerbacks: Pat Surtain II (Denver Broncos), Darius Slay (Philadelphia Eagles), Free safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers), Strong safety: Derwin James Jr (Los Angeles Chargers), Kick returner: Cordarrelle Patterson (Atlanta Falcons), Punt returner: KaVontae Turpin (Dallas Cowboys), Core teamers: Jeremy Reaves (Washington Commanders), Justin Hardee (New York Jets), Kicker: Jason Myers (Seattle Seahawks), Punter: Tommy Townsend (Kansas City Chiefs), Long snapper: Morgan Cox (Tennessee Titans).