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Detroit Lions had a choice with Darius Slay. They chose their culture instead

Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett breaks down the Detroit Lions' decision to trade Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Detroit Free Press

Darius Slay is gone. The Detroit Lions traded their Pro Bowl cornerback to Philadelphia for third- and a fifth-round picks in 2020.

Slay wanted to go. The Lions were ready for him to go. So, he had to go, right?

At this point? Sure. The relationship had disintegrated.

But could that disintegration have been avoided?

Absolutely.

And that’s the problem as the Lions sit less talented Friday than they were Thursday morning, at least at cornerback.