The Eagles pulled off a big trade as the NFL offseason got underway, landing former Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay..

The deal was well received by most NFL insiders and reporters, as the Eagles landed Slay from the Lions in exchange for 2020 third- and fifth-round picks.

The Eagles were in dire need of an upgrade at the cornerback position, after injuries hampered them the past few years in the secondary. Slay replaces Ronald Darby, and now gives them a clear No. 1 corner while allowing others to battle it out for the No. 2 role on the opposite side.

So where did the Slay deal rank in terms of offseason NFL moves?

ESPN’s Mike Clay rated it as the fifth-best position upgrade heading into 2020.

The Eagles traded for Slay following seven consecutive seasons of finishing ninth or worse in yardage allowed to opposing wide receivers. Philadelphia has allowed the most targets, receptions and yardage to the position during the span, and it's not close. Meanwhile, Slay quickly emerged as one of the league's premier shadow corners after being selected in the second round of the 2013 draft. He has at least a pair of interceptions and 13-plus passes defensed each of the past six seasons. In fact, Slay's 99 passes defensed since 2014 are easily most in the NFL. He joins fellow newcomer and slot man Nickell Robey-Coleman in Philadelphia's overhauled secondary.

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