Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

Darius Slay is hoping his breakout third season lands him a new contract, and he's hired a new agent to help make it happen.

Slay recently parted ways with Eugene Parker as his agent and hired Drew Rosenhaus as new representation.

NFL Network first reported the news.

With Rosenhaus in the fold, Slay plans to approach the Lions about an extension this off-season, a person familiar with his plans told the Free Press.

A second-round pick out of Mississippi State in 2013, Slay has one year left on his rookie contract and is scheduled to make just over $1.1 million in 2016, including bonuses.

Slay had two interceptions this season and started all 16 games at left cornerback, usually drawing the top receiver on the opposing team.

He told the Free Press in November he was open to signing a long-term deal this off-season, the first time 2013 draft picks are eligible for extensions.

"I mean, of course," Slay said. "Who wouldn't? I'd be loving that. But I'm going to let the people upstairs handle that business and I'm just going to handle what I can control."

The Lions will have more than $30 million in cap space if Calvin Johnson retires, and could approach other members of their 2013 draft class for extensions as well. First-round pick Ziggy Ansah will be under team control for two more years when the Lions pick up his fifth-year option later this spring, but Theo Riddick, Larry Warford, Devin Taylor and Sam Martin are all scheduled to be free agents next year.

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Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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