Darius Slay -- one of the best defensive backs in the NFL -- says he's changing his jersey number from #23 to #24 ... and it's all to honor Kobe Bryant.
Slay was just traded from the Detroit Lions to the Philadelphia Eagles -- Kobe's favorite team. And, since Darius is looking for a fresh start, he felt a number change was in order -- and with #24 available, he scooped it right up!
"I'm rockin' with that two-four this year," Slay said on IG ... "Kobe mode. Black Mamba baby.