Star cornerback Slay joined the Eagles from the Detroit Lions this week in exchange for third and fifth-round draft picks before promptly signing a three-year contract extension worth around $50million.
Slay has worn 23 in his NFL career to date but plans to switch this year in a tribute to Philadelphia native Bryant, who was tragically killed along with eight other victims, including his daughter Gianna, in a helicopter crash in January.
Running back Jordan Howard wore 24 for the Eagles last season, but his move to the Miami Dolphins freed up one of the old numbers Bryant - a noted Eagles fan - wore with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“My number I’m rocking? I’m going with that 2-4, man,” Slay told fans on Instagram Live.
“I’m gonna rock with 2-4 this year. I’m going Kobe mode, man. Black mamba, baby.
“Rest in peace to the GOAT, man, one of my favourite players. Gonna rock that 2-4 probably. I think I’m gonna look good in 24.”
Elsewhere, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers addressed the departure of quarterback Jameis Winston, who spent five seasons with them, for the first time.
A day after Winston, the former number one overall pick, said goodbye to the team after their addition of Tom Brady, the Bucs responded.
They posted a tweet on Sunday that included a “thank you, Jameis” graphic with a message that expressed their gratitude to him “from the bottom of our hearts”.
