Lions CB Darius Slay Wants To Be Paid Like A “Top-7 Cornerback”

Lions CB Darius Slay told reporters on Tuesday that he’s looking to be compensated as one of the top cornerbacks in the game as part of his next contract.

“I’m a top guy, that’s it,” Slay said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I ain’t no real cocky guy like that, but I’m just confident in my game and what I put on film. I’ve been very, very productive for the past two years. Every year I has got better, so I feel like this year is going to be the best year and I’m going to make that.”

Slay specifically mentioned that he would like to end up as one of the top-seven highest paid cornerbacks in the NFL.

“Right now I’ll say top seven, just cause as long as (Darrelle) Revis is in the game, he’s going to be the best corner to me,” Slay said. “(Richard) Sherman’s the best, 24 picks in three years, nobody ain’t do that. Pat P (Peterson) of course. I love Chris Harris’ game. (Aqib) Talib. Joe Haden. I feel like them are the real elite, elite, elite guys, so I feel like I’m an elite guy, but I feel like I got to keep working to get to their level because they’re elite.”

The two sides have reportedly discussed an extension months ago, but there hasn’t been any reported progress.

Slay admitted on Tuesday that he is unsure of where things stand with the Lions right.

“I don’t really know why it’s that important, but I feel like it should be done then,” Slay said. “But who knows? I’m just out here playing ball, just trying to handle business.”

Slay, 25, was taken in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. He is entering the final year of his four-year, $5.289 million rookie contract and is in line to make a base salary of $976,269 in 2016.

In 2015, Slay appeared in all 16 games for the Lions and recorded 59 tackles, two interceptions, and 13 pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 2 cornerback out of 118 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding an extension for Slay as the news is available.