The question on every Eagles fan's mind: Could Darius Slay be returning to the City of Brotherly Love? After being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the possibility of a reunion is now on the table. But is it a good idea? Let's dive in.
First, let's understand the rules. After the trade deadline, all NFL players are subject to waivers. The waiver wire order is based on the 2026 NFL Draft order, with the Eagles currently holding the 22nd spot. This means 21 other teams would need to pass on claiming Slay before the Eagles even get a chance.
Will that happen? It's a gamble. Slay's remaining 2025 salary, a mere $348,611, is certainly affordable. Teams desperate for cornerback help, like the Detroit Lions, who originally drafted Slay, might be very interested.
Here's a twist: Slay can't choose his next team until he clears waivers. He could threaten retirement if claimed by a team he doesn't want to play for. Imagine him refusing to play for, say, the Tennessee Titans.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can Slay still perform at a high level? Cornerback is a demanding position, and at nearly 35 years old, age is a factor. This season, he's allowed a 108.0 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Reference. He was even a healthy scratch in the Steelers' most recent game.
My prediction? The Eagles will likely have some interest in bringing him back. If they considered trading draft picks for Jaire Alexander, who had fallen out of favor with the Baltimore Ravens, wouldn't they consider a similar move for Slay? It's possible that Vic Fangio trusts Slay more than Kelee Ringo right now. However, it's unlikely he'd start over Adoree' Jackson.
We'll soon see what the future holds for Slay. What do you think? Would you welcome him back to the Eagles, or is it time to move on? Let me know in the comments!
