The Pittsburgh Steelers made a move on Tuesday that felt like the inevitable conclusion to a short and rocky stint: they released veteran cornerback Darius Slay. The former All-Pro and Super Bowl champion just never found his footing in Pittsburgh, and the numbers back it up. According to Next Gen Stats, Slay allowed 26 receptions and gave up a passer rating of 103.7 in coverage this season - not exactly the kind of production the Steelers were hoping for when they signed him in March.
By Week 13, the writing was on the wall. Slay was a healthy scratch against the Buffalo Bills, and shortly after, both sides agreed to part ways. It was a quiet end to a tenure that never quite clicked.
Slay joined the Steelers fresh off a Super Bowl run with the Eagles in the 2024-25 season, bringing championship experience and a strong resume that included six Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod from his Detroit Lions days in 2017. But in Pittsburgh, the fit just wasn’t there - whether it was scheme, age, or simply bad timing, the veteran corner never became the impact player the Steelers hoped he’d be.
Now, with his release official, the question turns to what’s next. And there’s already buzz about a potential reunion with a familiar team.
Popular streamer Janky Rondo gave Slay a call shortly after the news broke and asked the question on a lot of Eagles fans’ minds: “Are you going back to Philly?”
“We gonna see,” Slay said with a laugh.
Rondo didn’t stop there, telling Slay he knows the Eagles want him back.
“I know they do,” Slay replied. “You know I got nothing but love for my city.”
That love might not be one-sided. According to a report from NBC Sports’ John Clark, there’s mutual interest between Slay and the Eagles - assuming he clears waivers.
It’s a reunion that would make sense on multiple levels. Slay was a key piece in Philly’s secondary during their recent Super Bowl run, and he’s built a strong connection with the city and the locker room.
The Eagles originally traded for him after the 2019 season, and he went on to earn three Pro Bowl nods in green and white. With 28 career interceptions and a reputation as a savvy veteran presence, Slay could offer leadership and depth to a secondary that’s been tested this season.
Nothing’s official yet, but the door is clearly open. And if Slay does find his way back to Philadelphia, it could be a case of the right player, in the right place, at the right time - again.