The Philadelphia Eagles made a big splash earlier in the week when they traded for cornerback Darius Slay from the Detroit Lions.

Slay is one of the best defensive backs in the NFL and gives Philadelphia a boost in the secondary that they desperately needed. Fortunately, it appears that the two sides are excited to have each other.

Cornerback might have been the biggest position of need for the Eagles (besides wide receiver). Meanwhile, Slay is joining a team that won the Super Bowl just three seasons ago and topped their division last season.

All the news surrounding Slay and his new team isn't about football though. This one pertains his jersey number, sure. But it's really about Los Angeles Lakers and NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

Per John Clark of NBCS Philly, Slay took to Instagram live to talk with some fans. And there, he announced he would be wearing number 24 in 2020.

The Eagles have to love that. Obviously, Bryant was from Philadelphia, so that's a nice homage to the hometown hero.

More importantly though are the words: “Kobe Mode. Black Mamba.”

Anytime someone is comparing how they will play to Bryant, it's likely a good thing. Bryant will always be remembered as the ultimate competitor and the ultimate hard worker. He wanted to be the best of all-time.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Chiefs Travis Kelce with Eagles Jason Kelce amid missing Super Bowl ring

Jay Postrado ·

Philadelphia Eagles star DeVonta Smith with money around him in front of Lincoln Financial Field.

Zachary Weinberger ·

Bill Belichick surrounded by eyeball emojis

Andrew Meyers ·

Therefore, Slay saying he's going “Kobe Mode” should be pretty exciting for Eagles fans.

Yes, those are just words. However, Slay has proven so far in his career that he's an absolute gamer. It also helps that he seems extremely hungry in 2020.

Could the Eagles be getting an even better version of Slay than we've already seen? If he's truly channeling his inner Black Mamba, they definitely could be in for a treat.