Veteran cornerback Darius Slay enjoyed some of the best years of his career as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Slay made three Pro Bowls as an Eagle and he was a key cog on last year’s Super Bowl squad.
Following the Super Bowl win, Slay left Philadelphia to sign a more lucrative deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency over the offseason. However, things didn’t work out for Slay in Pittsburgh and the two sides parted ways following Week 13.
Eagles interested in a reunion with Darius Slay
Now Slay is looking for a new NFL home for the rest of the season, and his release from Pittsburgh could potentially pave the way for him to return to Philadelphia. According to John Clark of NBC Philadelphia, there is mutual interest in a reunion between both Slay and the Eagles.
A reunion could make sense for both sides. The Eagles never really filled the hole left by Slay over the offseason as the combination of Adoree Jackson and Kelee Ringo has left something to be desired opposite top corner Quinyon Mitchell.
Slay could conceivably slide right back into the starting spot opposite Mitchell that he occupied last season. This would allow Jackson and Ringo to remain in reserve roles and contribute to a lesser extent. A trio of Slay, Jackson and Ringo at CB2 is better than just the duo of Jackson and Ringo. It would also allow second-year corner Cooper DeJean to remain as a nickel corner, where he thrives.
Statistically, and visually, Slay wasn’t very good with the Steelers this season. But his familiarity with the Eagles organization and Vic Fangio’s defense could help to maximize his talents and whatever gas he has left in the tank. We already know that he comes with ample postseason experience.
For those reasons, a reunion with Slay almost feels like a no-brainer for the Eagles. Plus, bringing him back wouldn’t require a long-term commitment from the franchise, as they could simply sign him for the remainder of the current campaign.
Slay will likely have other suitors, but you have to think that rejoining the team that he won the Super Bowl with last year would probably be pretty high up on his list. Let’s see if it happens.