ALLEN PARK — Darius Slay didn’t want to talk about his hold-out during the offseason program.
No matter from which angle the question was asked on Thursday, “next question” was his reply.
The Detroit Lions Pro Bowl cornerback did report to training camp on Wednesday, but was placed on the non-football injury list along with Damon “Snacks” Harrison, another veteran hold-out. Neither participated in the first day of camp on Thursday.
Coach Matt Patricia said it was just a matter of conditioning after being away from football for so long.
Slay has two years remaining on his contract which will pay him $12 million this year and $10 million in 2020.
One exchange went like this:
Reporter: Are you content with your current deal?
Slay: What do you think?
Reporter: I’ve been pretty vocal saying I think you’re underpaid but my opinion doesn’t …
Slay: Everybody in the world knows.
While he hasn’t been at the practice facility he has not lost touch with his teammates.
“It was cool, I was here in Detroit. Guys came over the house, hung out, chilled, cooked them crab legs,’’ Slay said. “It’s a business so it’s all good.
No matter his contract situation he said they’re his guys, his brothers.
“Everybody knows it’s a business,’’ said Slay who is entering his seventh season.
He said he’s happy the Lions signed a few veteran cornerbacks like Justin Coleman, Rashaan Melvin and Marcus Cooper.
“Oh, they’re great guys. It’s a little less pressure on my shoulders. This is really my first year stepping into the role of a leader, leader, leader with GQ (Glover Quin) not being here (which I miss so much, it’s hard to walk on the field without my dog). He’s chilling. Other than that it’s been good,’’ Slay said.
He said that the contract situation will not affect his play on the field.
“I’m going to do out there to dominate,’’ Slay said. “So I play for the name on the back of my jersey and this organization and my teammates. So ain’t going to never stop me from what I’m doing on the field.’’
He has set goals for himself but said he’s not worried about interceptions. He had three last season after pulling in eight to lead the league in 2018.
“That will come, I’m not stressing on that …’’ Slay said.
Instead he wants to step up his leadership since Quin has retired.
“Be a better leader, be more vocal with the guys, just helping these guys be better than I am that’s my goal,’’ Slay said. “Try to get these guys Teez (Tabor), (Jamal) Agnew, the young corners that just came in I want them to be a lot better than what I did. That’s my goal.’’
Lions Lowdown 