The Darius Slay saga has taken another turn - and this one might bring him right back to where he made his biggest impact.
After being a healthy scratch in Week 13, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially released the veteran cornerback. Slay, a Super Bowl champion and former Pro Bowler, now hits the waiver wire - and the buzz around a potential return to the Philadelphia Eagles is heating up fast.
According to reports, there’s mutual interest between Slay and the Eagles in reuniting, and that’s not just media chatter. Fan sentiment is overwhelmingly in favor of bringing him back, with nearly 82% of Eagles fans voting in support of a return. And it’s not hard to see why.
Slay may not have made a splash in Pittsburgh - his time there was short and largely unremarkable - but his familiarity with Philadelphia’s defensive system makes him a logical fit. He knows the scheme, the locker room, and the expectations. More importantly, he brings experience to a cornerback room that’s still trying to find its footing.
Right now, the Eagles’ secondary is a work in progress. Adoree’ Jackson, Jakorian Bennett, and Kelee Ringo are all vying for significant reps, but none have fully locked down the role.
Slay, even at this stage in his career, offers a steady veteran presence who’s been through the wars - and won them. He’s not just a name; he’s a guy who’s played meaningful football in this city and understands what it takes to win in midnight green.
But before fans start dusting off their old Slay jerseys, there’s one major hurdle: the waiver wire.
Slay will need to clear waivers before the Eagles can sign him outright. That means more than 20 teams would need to pass on the chance to claim him.
And that’s no guarantee. One team to watch?
The Detroit Lions. Slay spent the first seven years of his career in Detroit, and with the Lions in the thick of a playoff push, a reunion there could make just as much sense.
Still, if he does clear waivers - and that’s a big “if” - the Eagles would be in prime position to bring back a player who not only knows the system but fits a very real need on this roster.
Bottom line: Slay might not be the All-Pro he once was, but he doesn’t need to be. What he offers now is veteran savvy, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game - all things the Eagles’ secondary could use as they gear up for the stretch run.
Keep an eye on this one. There’s real traction, and if the waiver gods cooperate, we could see No. 2 back in Philly before long.